SPOT VALLEY, St James — As Spot Valley High School gears up to start the new school year and kick off celebrations for its 20th anniversary, Principal Richard Thompson is determined to leave behind criticisms that have plagued the St James institution in the past.

“To see what the different students would have achieved from the school, when you listen to the chatter, most would not have expected anything from them,” Thompson told the Jamaica Observer during a recent interview.

Unperturbed, Thompson is focused on spreading the word about the impressive alumni, many of whom he said have gone on to excel in their respective fields and are making meaningful contributions to society.

“I was telling some of my parents at orientation that we even have one student who is in Dubai as a chef who is charge of three hotels,” the proud educator declared.

“We have doctors and others, former students, who have come in and spoken to the different year groups; they came back this year to give a talk to our students,” he added.

Over the years Spot Valley High’s reputation has taken a hit from outburst of violence on campus and students’ less than impressive grades. Thompson is hoping that perception will change when word spreads about what students have achieved in more recent times and what the school has been doing.

“It’s not all that bad; the handful that gives the school the chatter, we’re trying to work with them just the same and lessen the chatter to be more positive,” he said.

Thompson pointed to improved exam scores as proof of the progress being made.

“We would have attained 100 per cent in six subject areas, which included English, so we’re feeling good about that,” he said of the recently released results for the Caribbean Secondary Examinations Certificate (CSEC).

“We did well in agriculture science — not 100 per cent but I think 98 per cent pass — and as I said, we are looking forward for a better year this year,” he added.

Even as he pointed out that there is still a lot of work to be done, the principal had high praise for his teachers.

“There is a lot of sweat and tears and agonising days that they have put in to assist students by having overnight camps… offering them classes when they are not scheduled for a class if they go to a teacher’s class to get help,” he disclosed.

Turning his attention to the school plant, Thompson told the Observer that adding more classrooms and having a long-promised perimeter fence installed are among his areas of focus.

“We are progressing well. We have things that we would have started in the summer that are almost to completion. We are about 80 per cent ready for the opening of school,” he said.

“For us one of the biggest problems is the fencing. We would have, however, been promised the fence for this school year and once we have that security fence up, I think there are better things that can happen,” the educator added.

Schools across the country begin the new term on September 1, with a focus on administrative duties and orientation for new students. They are closed for face to face sessions on September 2 and 3 to facilitate the general election. All schools are expected to be fully up and running on September 5.

“Infrastructure-wise, I would be looking to put in some more classrooms, especially to deal with the literacy part of our students,” Thompson told the Observer.

“We have three dedicated areas so far but we need more as it relates to my school. It’s really good planning that will cause the difference at this moment and we looking forward to the support of everyone that can,” he added.

Spot Valley High’s 20th anniversary celebrations will begin in October. The theme is “Nation builders, children savers”. Planned activities include a church service on September 21 and an event to honour the school’s benefactors.

The entrance to Spot Valley High School in St James.