On a path of excellence
ON MAY 18, 1953, the doors of the Rose Gordon Kindergarten and Preparatory School were officially opened. While this signified the school’s formal establishment, its founder, Dorcas May Rose, had previously accommodated children on a part-time basis on her veranda for over two years.
ACQUISITION OF THE NAME
The name of the school is partly credited to the painter who made the school’s first sign. Rose wanted the school to be called ‘Gordon Rose’, Gordon being her maiden name and Rose her name by marriage. However, the sign painter lost the written directions she had given him and painted the name ‘Rose Gordon’. Rose wanted to have the sign redone, but her husband thought the name should remain.
REGISTRATION WITH THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
Rose Gordon has been registered with the Ministry of Education since 1974. It is also a member of the Jamaica Independent Schools Association (JISA).
DISNEY WORLD
The school is still located in a homely atmosphere, with classes small enough to facilitate individual attention to all students. Rose placed great emphasis on not only academic achievement but also the overall development of her students. In 1973, one of her dreams was realised when with the assistance of GraceKennedy Travel, Rose Gordon was among the first set of preparatory schools whose students took a trip to Disney World in Florida.
GROWTH ON PASSING
On the passing of Rose in 1991, her successor, Ethle Walters, and Verna Gordon, ably assisted by Millicent Morgan, and a dedicated staff enabled the school to continue its growth.
CURRENT DEVELOPMENT
The academic staff consists of 12 full-time teachers and four part-time teachers. The teachers are trained, qualified, and experienced, all graduates of teachers’ colleges and universities. The administration is decisive. In order to ensure that pupils continue to achieve individual attention, Rose Gordon endeavours to keep the size of its student body moderate, with an average class size of approximately 24 students. Additionally, ‘special’ students are taken care of through our Drop Everything and Read programme, while the gifted students are exposed to the curriculum of higher grades.
The curriculum consists of: a. The core curriculum – Language arts (spelling and communication task), mathematics, social studies, integrated studies, science, religious education, Spanish, information technology, music and physical education. The core curriculum is ably assisted by the ... b. Co-curriculum, which includes dancing, drama, visual arts, football, athletics, cricket, gymnastics, sports. c. Extra lessons
DISCIPLINE
Discipline is at premium level. This is as a result of the decisive nature of the members of staff, with the assistance of the parents. Our small grounds also contribute to the high level of discipline on the compound. Physical education and sports also help with the discipline.
CHURCH SERVICES
The Supreme Being is also introduced to the pupils through our monthly church service. This service is not mandatory to all students. Supervision is provided at the school for those who don’t attend the service. This group is minimal.
ACHIEVEMENTS
The school has performed exceptionally well. Over the years, the institution has enjoyed a national average of 92 per cent in the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT), a government scholarship to Campion College.
Rose Gordon has also consistently participated and placed in various inter-school competitions. Students have received certificates in the Wilson James Art Competition and The Gleaner’s Children’s Own Spelling Bee Competition, as well as trophies in tae kwon do competitions, the Milo Prep School Athletics Championships, the JCDC Festival, award from the Girls Guides Association, and 4-H Clubs competitions. Students have also participated in football competitions, the KFC Prep School Quiz, TVJ’s Junior Schools’ Challenge Quiz competition, and debating competitions.
EXISTING FACILITIES
Among the facilities are a library; a computer lab with Internet access; a literacy room; and a canteen, which serves snacks and hot meals daily.
INTEGRATION WITH THE COMMUNITY
Rose Gordon also tries to give back to the community through participation in outreach activities. The institution enjoys a good relationship with the Richmond Park community, which is evident by the number of students from the area who are in attendance. The school was actively involved with the Walker’s Place of Safety. Staff and students assist with Labour Day projects in the neighbourhood. Students also make visits to the Maxfield Park Children’s Home while contributing to their Christmas festivities.
Under the current administration of Milton Lynch and with the assistance of a dedicated staff and parents, Rose Gordon has continued on the path of excellence set by its founder, Dorcas May Rose. Rose Gordon Kindergarten and Preparatory School 75 Montgomery Avenue, Richmond Park, Kingston 10. Telephone: 754-7007/ 908- 0516
Email: vead@live.com