Manning's School
Manning's School (formerly Manning's High School) in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, Jamaica, founded in 1738, is the second-oldest, continuously-operated high school in Jamaica, after Wolmer's Boys, one of the Wolmer's Schools.[2]
| Manning's School | |
|---|---|
 | |
 Thomas Manning Building | |
| Address | |
| |
Beckford St. , | |
| Coordinates | 18°13′36″N 78°07′58″W |
| Information | |
| Type | Public school (government funded) |
| Motto | Vita sine litteris mors est (Life without learning is death) |
| Religious affiliation(s) | Anglican |
| Established | 1738 |
| Founder | Thomas Manning (bequest) |
| School code | 10055[1] |
| Principal | Steve Gordon |
| Years offered | 7–13 |
| Gender | Co-educational |
| Age range | 10-19 |
| Enrolment | 1,686[1] (2018) |
| Student to teacher ratio | 17:1 |
| Language | English |
| Colour(s) | Dark blue and light blue |
| Sports | Track and field, Football, Volleyball, Badminton, Table Tennis, Swimming, Netball, Basketball, Chess |
| Website | manningshigh |
History
The history of the Manning's School dates back to a quarter of a century before the actual establishment of the institution, when in 1710, Thomas Manning, a Westmoreland planter, bequeathed a gift of land for the setting up of a free school in the parish of Westmoreland. The school was established in 1738 when the Jamaica Assembly passed an Act (11 Geo. II c. 9), after which the Free School was formally set up.[3][4][2]
In the 18th century, these schools originated from their benefactors’ concerns for the education of the country’s poor, usually the children of poor whites, as there was no system in place for the education of the children of slaves.[2]
As the years progressed, the 20th Century led to the reorganization of the institution into a modern high school.[5]
Academics
| Year | Enrollment | Student-Teacher Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1,686 | 17:1 |
| 2017 | 1,754 | 20:1 |
| 2016 | 1,717 | 20:1 |
| 2015 | 1,729 | 19:1 |
| 2014 | 1,743 | 19:1 |
| 2013 | 1,765 | 19:1 |
| 2012 | 1,754 | 19:1 |
Historic Buildings
The oldest existing part of the school which was built in the early 20th Century is known as the Thomas Manning Building, named in honour of the school’s founder. It is the most outstanding building on the entire school property and is currently used as a library and classrooms. The building, an example of Georgian architecture, was declared a National Heritage site by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust in 1999.[6]
Notable alumni
- Allison Beckford, Jamaican sprinter
- Anna-Sharé Blake, known professionally as Sevana, Jamaican singer
- Hon. Samuel Bulgin, QC, JP, Attorney General of the Cayman Islands[7]
- Hon. Roger Clarke, former Agriculture Minister of Jamaica
- Haughton Forrest, Australian artist
- Craig Foster, Jamaican international footballer
- Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte, QC, Attorney-General of Jamaica
- Stephenie Ann McPherson, Jamaican Olympic sprinter
- Hazel Monteith, former Senator, consumer-rights advocate and radio personality
- Stephanie Saulter, Jamaican scientist and science fiction author.
- Trecia-Kaye Smith, Jamaican Olympic triple jumper
- Damion Warren, known professionally as Teacha Dee, Jamaican reggae singer and educator
Former teachers
References
- "Ministry of Education, Youth & Information School Profiles 2018-2019". Ministry of Education, Jamaica. 12 October 2015. p. 25. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
- "5 Oldest High Schools In Jamaica". The Jamaica Gleaner. 20 May 2015. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- "Manning's School in Westmoreland". Jamaica National Heritage Trust. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- "The Laws of Jamaica (1681-1759)". Google books. p. 260. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- "Westmoreland Heritage Sites". Jamaica Information Service. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- "List of National Monuments". Jamaica National Heritage Trust. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- "Mr. Bulgin upholds the law". Cayman Compass. 26 July 2012. Retrieved 5 February 2021.