1965 - Now
West Demerara Secondary School is a general secondary school in the Republic of Guyana. This co-educational institution is located on the West Bank of the Demerara River in the Demerara County less than half a mile from the Vreed-en-Hoop Ferry Stelling. Access to the school is by road and/or the Demerara Harbour Bridge, the speed boat, or the steamer. Within its environs there are the Malgre Tout Primary School, the Vreed-en-Hoop Primary, and the Vreed-en-Hoop Community High Schools. The school is located within the Best-Klien Pouderoyen Neighbourhood Democratic Council in Region #3.
West Demerara Secondary School was founded in January 1965. It was then called the Vreed-en-Hoop High School. It started at the residence of Mrs. Lucelle David at 116 New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, with the late Virgil E.H. Forde as the first Headmaster. The staff comprised of the Headmaster, a Secretary, and a small number of teachers. Students who were desirous of attending the school for the first time were allowed to take an entrance test before selections could be made. From then on the students gained admission to the school through the Secondary School Entrance Examination, the Preliminary Certificate and the College of Pre-ceptors Examinations. In October 1965 the school was transferred from New Road to Shamrock Manor(above), the residence of the late Captain J.P. Coghlan(picture below) in Klien Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara and renamed West Demerara Secondary School. This was a watershed moment in secondary education as it marked a new initiative to make secondary education available to all. At the time, it was the first Government Secondary school on the West Demerara offering free secondary education. The student body consisted of students from villages all along the West coast and West bank of Demerara (from Zeeburg to Canal No 1 and 2). Prior to that, students desiring a secondary education, had to travel to Georgetown on a daily basis to attend mainly paid tuition private schools. Unfortunately, the original building shown above and on the homepage was completely destroyed by fire in 1993. It was replaced by a new structure shown in picture below along with current school logo. All that remains of that fine wooden colonial building are photographs and memories of gracing the classrooms and the wonderful education provided by the teachers.
Like life, the school has changed over the years. New curriculum, new education and social skills have been added. The school is under the leadership of Headmaster Harrinarine who carries on the proud tradition of providing over 50 years of educational excellence. The Alumnus wishes him and his staff, current and future students the very best in their educational pursuits.
Captain J.P. Coghlan
Current School Logo
Current School Picture
Current Head Master
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