57 YEARS STRONG
ON JANUARY 12, 1960, a school which was the brainchild of Sir Florizel Glasspole – then minister of education and a native of St Mary (Hampstead) – opened its doors with 69 students and four teachers. He had envisioned a first-rate school for the children of the poor. In 1959, the Government bought the 'Constantine' lands (home of Mitzi Seaga, nee Constantine, the former wife of the Right Honorable Edward Seaga). Constantine House featured a verandah which was used to hold assembly, and the rest of the house was utilised as classrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, sewing room and library. Today, the paved court is currently located where the house once was, and, over time, an auditorium, the A Block and part of the B Block were added, as well as two other blocks and structures.
In 1960, only nine subjects made up the curriculum at St Mary High, but now there are 13 subjects offered at grades seven and eight; 15 at grade nine; 30 at the CSEC level and 19 units at the CAPE level. The school's curricula spans the humanities, sciences, technical and vocational areas. Students have gained distinctions in mathematics from an early as grade nine, and for the last six years, the school has had finalists in the Maths Olympiad. St Mary High School encourages a culture of study and seeks to award high achievers with commendation cards, star awards, certificates and trophies at the annual prize-giving ceremony. High achievers also make the Honour Roll and their names are posted on the notice board. High achievers in mathematics receive gold, silver and bronze awards.
St Mary High School has six houses: Cargill, Clarke, Harry, Henry, Stanley and Whitehorne, and encourages healthy competitive spirit and camaraderie through chess, cricket, football, netball, track and field, and table tennis. The school has also recently introduced themes to encourage the growth of wellrounded individuals, for example, ‘I will build my school’, ‘I am a generation changer’, ‘I am an example’ (in words, lifestyle, love, faith and purity, making wise choices, and growing in wisdom, stature, in favour with God and man).
In 1960, there were five clubs but today there are 25 extra-curricular areas.