Titchfield High School celebrates 230 years
Published:Wednesday | February 10, 2016 | 12:52 PMGareth Davis
PORT ANTONIO, Portland:
One of the oldest high schools islandwide, Titchfield on Sunday launched its 230th anniversary year-long celebrations with a church service in Port Antonio, Portland.
The church service was held at Christ Church in Port Antonio, which also has a touch of history, having celebrated its 175th anniversary last year.
Principal Richard Thompson said the school, in celebrating 230 years of excellence, is enjoying a proud and distinguished tradition, which ranks it among the elite high schools in the Caribbean.
"This institution is a rich part of Jamaica's history. We have a tradition of astute stewardship in education, which makes it the premiere and most sought-after high school in the parish. Titchfield has a rich tradition of excellent academics and co-curricular performances, wherein we recognise and nurture talents. We have a history of moral and spiritual guidance. Excellence is our main focus in all faculties," Thompson said.
The school has enjoyed impressive performances in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations, with an average of 85 per cent, and 88 per cent in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations over the last five years. The school has a current student population of 1,599 students.
DISTINCT HISTORY
Titchfield high has a proud and distinct history dating back from 1786 when it was the first known free school. Back then, the school taught arithmetic, writing, reading, Greek, and Latin to boys and, at the time, the institution was under the control of the Titchfield Trust.
But in 1883, the old military barracks of Fort George was leased by the Jamaica School Commission - for the school site, where construction later commenced.
Head masters of the noble institution began with Major William Henry Plant from 1885-1927. Back then, the school consisted of an infant, elementary and secondary department. The infant and elementary departments were later separated from the Titchfield Trust - resulting in the emergence of Titchfield High School.