Grammar School celebrating 350th anniversary
WHETHER it was to provide an education for the upper classes and gentry in its early days, to provide a boarding experience for mostly Protestant students in the last century, or nowadays to provide a real quality educational experience to a more local community, it has always led the way in wishing to provide the best for those families who supported the school.
Boasting such luminaries as Arthur Wellesley, first Duke of Wellington (soldier and Prime Minister), John Edward Healy (longest serving editor of the Irish Times), Derek Landy (author and screenwriter) and Deirdre Gogarty (Irish boxer) as past pupils, the motto however is Floreat (flourish) - every individual is of value and has something to contribute.
“I think the school has always evolved to meet the needs of its community, and in latter years its focus on the individual student and a wish to provide a broad, holistic education has helped,” says Mr Baker, commenting on the school’s longevity.
“It has always been welcoming and nurturing to its community. And that community has changed considerably over the 350 years, however, it is a school that has served well and put the needs of its students first.”
The school found its present home overlooking the banks of the River Boyne when it moved out to Edenview House and grounds in the early 1970s.
Now with 390 pupils, 36 teaching staff, and five support staff, Drogheda Grammar School is a co-educational school that welcomes students of all faiths and none.
The new school building was only opened seven years ago, and there is continued development and investment, including the renovation of the Dining Hall, gym and new science lab in the last two years. A building project is planned for next year to add four more classrooms.
“We are a private school that charges fees, and those fees ensure we can hire extra teachers, provide more subjects and extra-curricular activities,” explains Mr Baker, who is the 27th Headmaster, whose mother and uncles attended the school as boarders in the early 70s.
“They also ensure our students and staff have the facilities they deserve, and this situation will not change as we are committed to providing this standard and type of education. We want to continuously evolve as a school, improving our teaching and learning, facilities and the learning culture within the school. We also want to retain what has been our strength over the years, providing a warm, nurturing environment that allows everyone to feel valued.”
Along with a retrospective look at the history of this splendid school, the last few words of the book are left to some of the current students, with head girl Sinead O’Byrne summing up her time in the school with pride as she nears graduation.
“The warm and welcoming nature of the school hasn’t changed since the open night (I attended) six years ago,” she writes.
‘ The students are still as brilliant as they ever were, though many have come and gone, and no doubt their lives have been influenced by their time here at Drogheda Grammar School.”
There is little doubt this school will still be shaping the futures of students positively for centuries to come.
The book, priced €25 is available from Drogheda Grammar School. T 041 9838281, www.droghedagrammarschool.ie or details on the Drogheda Grammar School alumni facebook page.