Naparima College

Naparima College
A Posse Ad Esse ("From Possibility To Actuality")
Location
Paradise Hill San Fernando Trinidad and Tobago
Information
Type	Male Secondary School
Established	1894
Color(s)	Oxford Blue and White
Affiliation	Presbyterian Board of Trinidad and Tobago
Website	http://naps.edu.tt

Naparima College is a secondary school for teenaged males in Trinidad and Tobago. Located in San Fernando, the school was founded in 1894, but did not receive official recognition until 1900. The was established by Dr. Kenneth J. Grant, a Canadian Presbyterian missionary working among the Indian population in Trinidad. The school was one of the first to educate Indo-Trinidadians and played an important role in the development of an Indo-Trinidadian professional class.

The school was founded in the churchyard of Susamachar Presbyterian Church in San Fernando as the Canadian Mission Indian School. In 1899 the Mission Council petitioned the Board of Queen's Royal College in Port of Spain for affiliation with it. In 1900 the school became a recognised secondary school and was thus eligible for state aid. It was then renamed Naparima College. In 1917 it relocated to its present campus at Paradise Hill on what was then the southern edge of the town of San Fernando.

Timeline of events

• 1866 Rev. Dr. John Morton, a young Presbyterian minister from Bridgewater, Nova Scotia arrives in Trinidad and is deeply concerned at the social conditions of the population of 25,000 Indians working on the plantations. Morton receives approval of the Maritime synod of the Presbyterian church to found a mission to Trinidad. A friend and colleague, Rev. Dr. Kenneth James Grant from Scotch Hill, Pictou County, Nova Scotia, is appointed as a partner in the project.

• 1870 On November 22, Grant, with his newly wed wife Catherine Copeland of Merigomish, Nova Scotia, and Morton with his wife Sarah, arrive in San Fernando, Trinidad.

• 1870's Gordon, Governor of Trinidad, enacts education ordinance facilitating the establishment of Canadian Mission elementary schools. The "C.M." schools, large one-room wooden constructions, are established in a large number of rural communities in Trinidad, and flourish, eventually numbering over seventy.

• 1880 "Four stations (believed to be Tunapuna, San Fernando, Princes Town and Couva) have been established which serve all parts of Trinidad".

• 1883 Rev. Dr. Grant conducts first secondary school classes for his son George, other children of the Mission, and Charles Pasea, by tradition under a samaan tree on Carib Street, San Fernando, near his own home. This is the site of present-day Susamachar Presbyterian Church, and the Grant Memorial (elementary) School.

• 1890 Rev. Dr. Kenneth J. Grant receives approval of the church for the establishment of a theological training college. When broached to the Presbyterian Assembly in Ottawa, half of Dr Grant's requested funding is donated by two private families within forty-eight hours. This foundation stone of the ministry in Trinidad is later renamed the Presbyterian Training College and then the St Andrews Theological College.

• 1894 Naparima Training College for Teachers is opened; the secondary school classes to become Naparima College are initially merged with NTC classes.

• 1897 Naparima College is made into a separate institution by Rev. Dr. Kenneth J. Grant

• 1898 Rev. Grant purchases "Oriental Hall", land and buildings adjacent to his home, which serves for years as a base of operations for the missionaries, and a home for the early Presbyterian College, Naparima Training College, and Naparima College.

• 1900 Naparima College is formally inaugurated, affiliated with Queen's Royal College in Port of Spain, and loosely modeled after Pictou Academy in Pictou, Nova Scotia. Enrollment is 50, staff complement 4.

• 1904 The first class graduates as holders of the Cambridge Senior School Certificate

• 1917 Naparima College is moved to Paradise Pastures and the first buildings are constructed here overlooking the Gulf of Paria, immediately to the west of the town of San Fernando, where the institution has stood continuously since.

• 1923 Rev. V. B.Walls of Blackville, New Brunswick is appointed principal, and takes up residence on the hill in January 1924. He would serve for almost 30 years.

• 1925-1931 Additional buildings are constructed, including a dormitory, a dining hall (1925), an infirmary (1927), and the central part of the "U" design(1931).

• 1931 The central part of the old "U" building is built, together with the old science lab, and library. Enrollment stands at 200.

• 1932 The main building is constructed along with a Science Laboratory.

• 1936 The first to obtain the Higher School Certificate graduates. The T. Geddes Grant Memorial Dormitory is constructed.

• 1939 First Founders' Day celebration. The wings of the "U" structure are added, replacing two 1917 classrooms.

• 1945 Kathlyn W. Smith became the first girl and the first student of Naparima College to obtain an Island Scholarship. The Junior Red Cross is set up.

• 1946 Enrollment at Naparima College stands at 560, staff of 24 and on-campus residents of 72.

• 1950 Naparima's Golden Jubilee, and Rev. Walls' 25th year. A thousand people attend. In the spotlight with Rev. Walls are H.R.H. Princess Alice and the Earl of Athlone; Rev J. C. MacDonald (early principal), Sidney Hogben, Director of Education; Roy Joseph, Mayor; and many dignitaries. The present-day flag staff is donated by Trinidad Leaseholds Ltd and erected and used for the first time at the Golden Jubilee

• 1953 Rev. Walls retires (1952) and so the position of principal passes to Rev. E. T. Lute of Toronto.

• 1954 An Audio-Visual Room and a classroom public address system ("the Blue Circle Network") is installed.

• 1954 Permanent sites are secured for Tunapuna and Siparia campuses.

• 1956 Uniform of white shirts and silver-grey khaki trousers is established as well as the First Naparima College Sea Scout Troop.

• 1957 Larry Lutchmansingh becomes the first Naparima College boy to obtain an Open Scholarship.

• 1958 Introduction of the Naparima College Badge as part of the school's attire.

• 1959 Under Rev. E. T. Lute, new concrete and steel present-day buildings are constructed. The timber from the old 1931 buildings is used to build a new gymnasium, used until 1995. Rev. Lute also introduces the 'house system'. Six houses were originally set up, but this number was later reduced to four: Walls House (red); Sammy House (blue); Flemington House (gold); and Grant House (green). National independence of Trinidad looms, and it is evident that many institutions of the past will be passed to local autonomy. Enrollment stands at close to 700.

• 1960 Naparima celebrates its "Diamond Jubilee", the 60th year of its official recognition. Rev. Walls returns from his retirement in New Brunswick for the celebrations.

• 1962 Trinidad & Tobago becomes an independent country. Rev. James Forbes Sieunarine, (named after an early missionary) becomes the first principal to emerge from among the students of the Canadian Mission..

• 1963 The Walls Pavilion is constructed on the playing field off Rushworth St.

• 1966 Allan I. McKenzie is appointed principal.

• 1967 The dormitory is re-furbished as classroom space. This is also the last year that girls attend Naparima College. The present day school uniform is inaugurated.

• 1969 Won island-wide TTT Quiz contest as well as the Drama Festival's best production with A Little Soap and Water written and produced by Hafeezul Sukoorali.

• 1972 Won Best Production in the Drama Festival with "Tears In the Gayelle" written by Dennis Noel and produced by Rosemarie Wyse. A banquet is hend in honor of Sir Issac Hayatali on his appointment as Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago.

• 1975 The United Church Board of Missions formally closes the Canadian Mission to Trinidad. A Chemistry lab is added.

• 1976 The following national trophies are won - National Championship Cricket, National Junior Cricket, National Inter-Col Final (football).

• 1976 Naparima College became the first team to win consecutive Inter-Col Finals.

• 1984 A Zoology laboratory is added.

• 1991 The V.B. Walls Pavillion is renovated.

• 1996 95% of the 120 boys writing the "O" level school-leaving exams secured passes in five or more subjects, the highest percentage of passes among the island's high schools.

• 1999 Naparima College won the South Zone SSFL Title, the SSFL League Title and Intercol Title.

• 2000 Former dormitory and dining hall replaced by large new classroom wing.

• 2005 Demolition of the last remaining remnant of the 1931 main building and the water bay, simultaneously increasing the area used as the courtyard.

• 2006 Michael R. Dowlath, a past student and former principal of Iere High School, returns to Naparima College as principal.

• 2007 Naparima College ties for the most Intercol Titles in the country equalling San Fernando Technical & Signal Hill with 6.

• 2009 Opening of the new Auditorium/Gymnasium during the Speech Day proceedings.

• 2010 The main Staff Room was extended to better facilitate the teaching staff. Introduction of a new Form class – 6BS3. Establishment of a new classroom in the Grant's Memorial Wing to house the students of 6A.

• 2010 Naparima College records the most zonal wins for the South Zone Title,14, and the most for any team in their respective zones.

• 2011 Reintroduction of the Teachers vs. Students Cricket Match on Founders' Day as well as the Naparima College Blazer for Form 6 students. Hosts of bi-annual Presbyterian Games. Introduction of the Upper 6 Sleepover.(Year of proposed air-conditioning of the entire Form 6 Block as well as installation of security cameras on campus. )

This incomplete list is frequently updated to include new information.

Motto

The Naparima College Crest

"A posse ad esse"

This Latin phrase literally translates into English as "From Possibility To Actuality".

The motto was selected by a contest launched by Rev. Dr. Victor B. Walls among the staff and students shortly after his arrival in 1923.^[1] Interestingly, the actual person who coined the motto remains a mystery. The motto serves as a force to encourage students to strive to be the best that they can be in all aspects of school life and in their other achievements. It is inscribed on the school's insignia.

Mission statement

"Recognizing the values of the founding fathers, Naparima College seeks to provide holistic education in a spiritually enriched and caring environment, which fosters in students a love of life-long learning that promotes traditions of excellence and opportunities for self-actualization and social responsibility."

Hymn

Our alma mata dear
The school we all revere
Make us worthy
Help us ever to be
All that we ought to be
And always proud of thee
Naparima

To thee the best we owe
With which we may endow
Our island home
No matter where we roam
If near or far from home
Let us be always one
Naparima

Bonus verse:
When darkness hold the deep,
Tend us thy strength to keep.
Stand thou our light.
Turn back the stealing night,
Save us thy pathways right,
Flow forth thou fount of light:
Naparima.

(sung to the tune of "Come Thou Almighty King")

It is not certain, but the lyrics of the school hymn were probably written around 1929 or 1930 by Mrs. Marion Walls,^[2] the wife of then principal Rev. Dr. Victor B. Walls. It is usually sung on Monday and Friday mornings by the student population as well as on a few special occasions.

Administration

Principals

The following is a chronological list of principals who have served at Naparima College.

Rev. Dr. Kenneth J. Grant		1894–1900
Rev. Alison Cumming		1900–1903
Rev. Dr. F. J. Coffin		1904–1909
Rev. Dr. J. A. Scrimgeour		1909–1912
Rev. Dr. H. F. Kemp		1913–1915
Rev. Dr. J. C. MacDonald		1915–1917
Rev. W. A. Hunter		1917–1923
Rev. Dr. Victor B. Walls		1924–1953
Rev. Edward T. Lute		1953–1961
Rev. Dr. James F. Sieunarine		1962–1966
Dr. Allan I. MacKenzie		1966–1995
Mr. Edison J. Sookoo		1996–2002
Ms. Maureen Atwal		2002–2005
Dr. Michael R. Dowlath		2006–Present

Vice principals

The following is a chronological list of Vice-Principals who have served at Naparima College.

Mr. James Sammy		1929–1956
Mr. James Lee Walsh		1966–1988
Mr. David Sammy		2006–2008
Mrs. Rowena Wattley		2010–Present

Campus

Naparima College's campus sits atop Paradise Hill, overlooking the city of San Fernando in southern Trinidad. The San Fernando Hill, the city's major landmark, towers over the college to the east; to the west is a view of the Gulf of Paria. While the campus location has been the same for decades, there have been numerous infrastructural and developmental changes over the years. Many of the major infrastructural changes had arisen out of the demolition of the old wooden buildings, most of which had been around since the first half of the 20th century. Most notably, the College's old gymnasium which was demolished in 1995, the Grant Memorial Building in 1999, and the structure referred to as the "main building" in 2005.

The Grant's Memorial Wing as seen from the courtyard

The structure that replaced the Grant Memorial Building is referred to as the "Grant's Memorial Wing" or the "new Grant building". Almost twice as large as the old building, it consists of two levels and a basement area (at the western end). It possesses a number of classrooms, Conference, Geography, Business, Language, Art, and Science Demonstration Rooms as well as an "Intelligent Classroom" and Scout Den.

Directly adjacent to the Grant's Memorial Wing and connected via a small pedestrian bridge is the Science Laboratory building. Consisting of two levels, it contains a Chemistry Laboratory on the first floor and Biology and Physics Laboratories on the second floor.

Located on the laboratory building and connected by corridors on the second floor, is another section which houses the Library. Having undergone various remodeling sessions in the past few years, its current design is the most effective for research and study purposes at Naparima College. The availability of its service characteristics means that the library can be considered to be a hybrid of both a Reference and a Lending Library, albeit at a smaller scale for the secondary institution. It currently possesses its own library staff, archives, internet access as well as book rental and (magnetic card based) photocopying services.

Students at the Form 6 level are allowed unlimited access to the library throughout a regular school day while students of lower forms must seek administrative permission for the use of its services at any time other than the luncheon and recess periods.

Also in the same section, directly beneath the library on the first floor and accessed via corridors is the Audio/Visual Room (abbreviated as the A/V Room). This room is used for displaying A/V Media to aid lectures to an audience, especially by a visiting party. Also located in this section of the building are the offices of the Deans of Discipline and the Dean of Studies.

Adjacent to the aforementioned section of the school, but directly joined to it is an L-shaped building that contains of a number or classrooms, an Information Technology Laboratory, Storage Room (neighboring the cafeteria), Staff Room (for the teaching administration) as well as the offices of the Principal and Vice-Principal and the Main Office.

The washroom and shower facilities available for the student population and visitors alike are located on the western end of the campus, next to what is currently the Form 1 and 2 Blocks. These facilities are also located on the first floor of the gymnasium.

Naparima College's Cafeteria (also known as The Café) is located on the northernmost sector of the campus. It has been extensively remodeled in the last few years; its modern design covers the largest area since Naparima College was founded. The main section of the cafeteria, located just under what is currently Form 1S of the Form 1 block, is the main area of business where students and members of the administration can purchase food. Adjacent to this is the area dubbed the Café Verandah. This area includes seating with tables. Local food merchants are also allowed to market here. Students may freely purchase before and after regular school hours and during the luncheon and recess periods. The cafeteria staff reserves the right to bar any student from sale during class hours unless that student is accompanied with a written note provided by a member of the teaching or office administration.

There is also a small Snack Bar located in what was previously a security booth. This can be found at the start of the sidewalk at the top of Paradise Hill. It has allowed students and administration greater flexibility in their choice of refreshment.

The structure known as the Principal's Residence is located a stone's throw away from the main structure and is out-of-bounds to the student population.

Towards the eastern sector lies the gymnasium which is the most recent addition to the campus (along with the Principal's Residence). Whilst overlooking the On-Campus Playing Field, it consists of three levels; the second and third of which serve a dual purpose of hosting indoor sporting events as well as an Auditorium. The first level, which may also be considered as a basement level facilitates indoor sporting activities, physical training via the use of exercise equipment, as well as bathroom and shower facilities. As of May 2011, refinements are still to be made.

Naparima College also possesses a number of outdoor facilities are normally available for the purposes of recreational and leisure ventures and are scattered in and around the campus.

Naparima College wields two outdoor recreational grounds. The main on-campus general playing field is located at the western-most sector of the school's compound. This is available for use by the student population at anytime before and after regular class hours. However most activity occurs during both the recess and luncheon periods. It may also be utilized by students for the purposes of scheduled Physical Education. The field also possess its own batting cage for the purposes of cricket practice.

The second and perhaps major playing field is located on the Lewis Street extension, San Fernando; being off campus is generally out-of-bounds to the student population. It is mainly utilized for larger sporting events such as inter-school sporting competitions or for the events of Sports Day.

The spectator stand on the off-campus playing field which is known as the V.B. Walls Pavilion was constructed by the Naparima College Old Boys Association in 1965. Its name is a dedication to Rev. Dr. Victor B. Walls, a Naparima College principal from 1924–1953. It is currently scheduled for reconstruction.

The courtyard is located in what may be considered as the heart of the campus and is bounded by the structure housing the form 4 and 5 blocks to the north, the science laboratory building to the east and Grant's Memorial Wing to the south whilst looking over the Gulf of Paria to the west. Within the past few years the area which was dedicated to the courtyard had dramatically increased. The old wooden structure commonly known as the main building and the structure known as the water bay were situated here but were both demolished in 2005. The courtyard is used by Naparima College as the student assembly grounds and for recreational activity.

Other miscellaneous facilities or features around the campus include:

• A terrace above the scout den, overlooking the Gulf of Paria on the western sector
• Park benches at strategic locations
• Rectangular sinks located near Grant's Memorial Wing and the Form 1 Block
• Pedestrian shelter located at the entrance to Paradise Hill
• Vehicular parking for administrative staff, visitors and form 6 students

College life

Form classes

Forms 1 – 5 levels

Presently, each form level from 1 to 5 is usually sub-divided into four Form Classes. Each class in a form level is given the number of the form level and distinguished from each other by one of four letters – 'N', 'A', 'P' and 'S' (Naps - an abbreviation of 'Naparima College' used in general references). For instance, at the first form level the classes are Form 1N, 1A, 1P and 1S; with the pattern continuing up each successive orm level. Normally each form class contains the same group of students that began together in the first form level, i.e. for example the same students who reside in Form 1N can be promoted to Form 2N. This trend continues until the Forth Form level where students are separated and grouped into classes based on their choice of CSEC subjects.

The form classes:

• Form 1 – 1N, 1A, 1P & 1S
• Form 2 – 2N, 2A, 2P & 2S
• Form 3 – 3N, 3A, 3P & 3S
• Form 4 – 4N, 4A, 4P & 4S
• Form 5 – 5N, 5A, 5P & 5S

Form 6 level

Form 6 Block, 2nd floor, Grant's Memorial Wing

The form 6 level is usually treated as a separate branch of classes and as such does not conform to the usual class-naming scheme as described above, instead having a unique scheme for both the Upper and Lower 6 classes. The Lower 6 Level is regarded as the level consisting of the younger form 6 students in their first year of CAPE study while the Upper 6 Level is regarded as the older students who are in their second and final year of CAPE study.

Naparima College tends to accept on average, eight external students into the Lower 6th Form Level per year. Usually these students only spend two years at the institution itself.

Apart from the regular school uniform, students at this level include the Naparima College Blazer as part of their attire. The Upper 6 students are acknowledged as being in their final year at Naparima College, after having spent seven years (external students spend fewer years) at the institution.

The form classes:

Lower 6 Level:

• 6BA
• 6BS1
• 6BS2
• 6BS3

Upper 6 Level:

• 6A
• 6AS1
• 6AS2
• 6AS3

The promotion scheme is the same with students being allowed the opportunity of promotion into the appropriate class as shown below.

Class Promotion at the Form 6 Level

Lower 6		Upper 6
6BA		6A
6BS1		6AS1
6BS2		6AS2
6BS3		6AS3

The 6AS3 Form class is presently unpopulated, but will be officially recognized in September of the academic year spanning 2011–2012. Presently there are 27 populated Form Classes.

Academics

Naparima College offers a diverse selection of subject areas. Many of which are drawn from the fields of Science, Mathematics, Business Studies, Modern Studies and Creative Arts.

At the end of three years, Form 3 students must sit the National Certificate of Secondary Education (NCSE) examinations. Whilst at the end of five years, Form 5 students sit the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate Examinations (CSEC) examinations and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) Examinations at the Form 6 level.

The Form 1 Level

The Form 1 Level consists of the youngest students at Naparima College. Academically, the subjects offered to these students are extremely similar to what they were exposed to at the Primary Level albeit, a little more advanced. Students at this level may be allowed to go into the Library during regular class hours for periods of study.

Subjects offered at the Form 1 Level:

• Art
• Drama
• English Language
• English Literature
• General Science
• Geography
• Health and Family Life Education
• History
• Mathematics
• Music
• Physical Education
• Religious Instructions
• Social Studies
• Spanish

The Form 2 Level

Normally considered as the bridge between the first and third form levels.

Subjects offered at the Form 2 Level:

• Art
• Biology
• Chemistry
• English Language
• English Literature
• History
• Mathematics
• Physical Education
• Physics
• Social Studies
• Spanish
• Visual and Performing Arts

The Form 3 Level

The form 3 level is the level at which students prepare for the National Certificate of Secondary Education (NCSE) examinations. Essentially, students at this level are exposed to all the academic fields of study offered at Naparima College. Thus aiding them in selecting subjects for further study at the CSEC level and possible careers. They are also encouraged to attend the Career Guidance Seminars held annually at Naparima College.

Subjects offered at the Form 3 Level:

• Art
• Biology
• Business Studies
• Chemistry
• Drama
• English Language
• English Literature
• Geography
• History
• Information Technology
• Mathematics
• Music
• Physical Education
• Physics
• Spanish

The Form 4 & 5 Levels

The Form 4 & 5 Levels are the levels at which students prepare for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate Examinations – CSEC

Entry into Form 4 is based on the subjects selected by students upon promotion from the Form 3 Level. Each student is required to study at least nine subjects, four of which are compulsory – English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and either a choice of Biology or Human and Social Biology. Students continue into Form 5 with the subjects they have selected and write the CSEC examinations at the end of their 5th Form academic year.

Subjects offered at the Form 4 & 5 Levels:

• Additional Mathematics
• Biology or Human and Social Biology – one choice compulsory
• Chemistry
• English Language – compulsory
• English Literature – compulsory
• Geography
• History
• Information Technology
• Mathematics – compulsory
• Physics
• Principles of Accounts
• Principles of Business
• Social Studies
• Spanish

The following subjects are also offered at the Form 4 & 5 Levels albeit not during normally timetabled sessions:

• Technical Drawing
• Visual and Performing Arts (one choice of either Art or Music or Drama) or Physical Education

The Form 6 Level

The Form 6 Levels – Lower and Upper 6 are the levels at which students prepare for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations – CAPE

Application to this level may occur after Form 5 students obtain their CSEC results. Students at this level are allowed a choice to study 3 academic subjects (some opt for 4 and may be accepted) and 1 compulsory subject – Communication Studies at the Lower 6 level and Caribbean Studies at the Upper 6 level. However choice of subjects is limited; for example, a student who only studied modern studies subjects at the CSEC level (History, Social Studies etc.) is barred to study subjects such as Pure Mathematics or Physics at the CAPE level.

Subjects at the CAPE Level tend to be divided into Units. Lower 6 students study Unit 1 of their chosen subjects and Unit 2 at the Upper 6 level. However exceptions may be made in which the Unit 2 of a subject may be studied at the Lower 6 level followed by Unit 1 at the Upper 6 level. Only the Units 1 of the compulsory subjects – Caribbean Studies and Communication Studies are studied.

Subjects offered at the Form 6 Level:

• Accounts
• Applied Mathematics
• Biology
• Caribbean Studies – Unit 1, compulsory
• Chemistry
• Communication Studies – Unit 1, compulsory
• Economics
• Geography
• History
• Literature in English
• Management of Business
• Physics
• Pure Mathematics
• Sociology
• Spanish

Extracurricular activities, clubs and competitions

Notice Board at Naps displaying flyers

Naparima College offers a range of clubs and activities which students may join.

Extracurricular activities are strongly supported by the administration and the teaching staff as it provides the skills for students at Naparima College to develop themselves into all-rounded individuals and is particularly one of the reasons the school has been able to perform outstanding in all aspects as an educational institution.

The following is a list (as of March, 2011) of clubs and activities:

• Astronomy Club
• Big-Brother Program
• Chess Club
• Club Castilé – The UNESCO Spanish Club
• Drama Club
• Environmental Club
• Essay Writing
• Film and Photography Club
• First Naparima College Sea Scout Troop
• Guitar Club
• Indian Cultural Club – I.C.C.
• Inter School Christian Fellowship – I.S.C.F.
• Keyboard/Piano Club
• Mathematics Club
• Naparima College Choir
• Naparima College Pan Ensemble – Naparhythms
• Rotary International – Interact Club
• School Band
• Scrabble Club
• Sports – Cricket, Football, Table Tennis, Lawn Tennis, Martial Arts, Athletics, Volleyball, Golf, Swimming and Scuba Diving
• Student Council
• Tassa Group
• The Literary and Debating Society – L.A.D.S.
• The Naparima College Peer Supporters
• Writers' Guild

The following competitions occur within Naparima College. Hence this does not include students who participate in competitions to which Naparima College is not the host of. Such would fall into the aforementioned category of Extra-curricular activities and clubs, whose members (and members of the student population not related to a club or activity) are allowed to 'represent' the school in various external competitions. However they may be considered as a sub-class of extra-curricular activity.

Competitions within Naparima College include:

• Elocution Contest
• Events of Sports Day
• Inter-Class Sporting Competitions
• Oration Contest
• Science Fair

Such activities and clubs have regular meetings and encourage their members to participate in various competitions or creative events and even charity. If any student wishes to suggest an activity not listed, they may petition and propose their idea to any one of the administrative teaching staff and have it evaluated. As such the aforementioned list is constantly growing.

Events

The following is a list of events that are annually held at Naparima College during each academic year. (Some events may not occur during the term mentioned and as such, may be subjected to change). The events are listed in the order of occurrence.

Term 1

• School Bazaar
• Speech Day
• Oration Contest
• Eid Celebrations
• Divali Celebrations
• End of Term Examinations
• Christmas Celebrations

Term 2

• Parents' Day
• Inter-Class Cricket Tournament
• Founder's Day
• Teachers Vs. Students Annual Cricket Match
• Elocution Contest
• Sports Day
• Carnival Celebrations
• Naparima College's Annual Walkathon
• End of Term Examinations
• Easter Celebrations
• Upper 6 Sleepover

Term 3

• Annual Prize Giving and Awards Functions
• Student Baccalaureate Service
• CSEC and CAPE Examinations
• End of Term Examinations
• Graduates' Dinner and Dance

Apart from those listed, numerous other events occur at various times throughout an academic year at Naparima College.

These may include the following:

• Regular meetings of the Naparima Association of Parents School and Community (NAPSAC)
• Fundraisers (hosted by student clubs)
• Events hosted by the Naparima Association of Past Students (NAPS) such as the "Breakfast On The Hill" or the "Naps Men Can Cook Too"
• Career Guidance Seminars (other secondary schools may be invited to attend)
• Valedictory Ceremonies

Various other special occasions may also be held.

The first major event would be that of the annual school bazaar which takes place on the school's campus. This social event normally occurs during the month of November and is usually on a weekend, most commonly on a Saturday afternoon. Each class would be given a the responsibility of a particular stall from which planning may begin a few weeks beforehand. These stalls may take the form of many miscellaneous activities including games such as the popular air rifle or the tin pan alley, sale of food and drinks, and attractions such as a horror house, car show and disco. The entire bazaar itself serves a dual purpose of being both a social event and a fundraiser.

Speech Day is usually the day which might also be referred to as a Graduation Day, however it is also a the day for recognizing the academic achievements of both the Form 5 and Upper Form 6 students, the latter of whom it would be considered as a Graduation Day. Certificates and awards for academic achievements in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations as well as other academic achievements are distributed to the students at this official ceremony. Teachers, parents, guardians and special guests are normally issued invitations to attend.

House system

The House System was instituted in 1959 by then-principal Rev. Lute. Each member of the student population is usually assigned to a particular house during their form 1 year and remain in that house during the rest of their academic career at Naparima College.

The houses usually compete with each other in some aspects of school life, most significantly is that of the annual Sports Day, where each house competes for the top ranking in sporting activities at Naparima College. Initially there were six houses but was then reduced to four.

The four houses are as follows:

• Flemington House (yellow) – named for Allen Flemington, who served as a missionary and teacher at the school from 1939–1940. He left the school to volunteer for service in World War II, where he died in combat.
• Grant House (green) – named for the founder of Naparima College, Kenneth J. Grant.
• Sammy House (blue) – named for James Sammy, who taught at Naparima College from 1912–1968.
• Walls House (red) – named for long-serving principal, Victor B. Walls.

Attire

Uniform

Naparima College possesses a school uniform which its students are expected to wear on a regular school day. The specific requirements for the full uniform are:

• Plain white short-sleeved shirt
• Naparima College Badge

The aforementioned are worn together with the Naparima College Badge being secured via some means (commonly by a clothing pin) to the left breast pocket of the shirt. An alternative to this:

• Naparima College monogrammed shirt

Other requirements for the full school uniform include:

• Grey terylene-viscose trousers
• Black socks
• Plain black dress shoes
• Naparima College official tie
• Naparima College Blazer (Form 6 students only)

The uniform is worn every weekday whereas the full uniform with the Naparima College official tie is worn on Mondays and special occasions (for instance on Founder's Day) by the entire student population. On other days, the Naparima College official tie and the Naparima College Blazer are considered optional.

Physical Education Uniform

This special uniform is usually only worn by the students of the first form level during Physical Education or sporting activities. The specific requirements for the physical education uniform are:

• Naparima College Physical Education jersey
• Naparima College Physical Education shorts
• a pair of black gym shoes

Publications

The Olympian Magazine

Naparima College has a school magazine dubbed The Olympian which was started in 1945 by Ralph Laltoo. Efforts are made to publish one annually. It usually acts as a yearbook and highlights the events which may have transpired during a particular academic year at Naparima College. These may include academic and sporting achievements as well as brief summaries of extracurricular clubs and activities and special events such as the school bazaar or valedictory functions. Many of these normally being from the perspective of the student population.

Published Editions of The Olympian include:

• Olympian '68
• Olympian '69
• Olympian '70
• Olympian '71
• Olympian '72
• Olympian '73
• Olympian '74
• Olympian '75
• Olympian 2003
• Olympian 2004
• Olympian 2005
• Olympian 2006
• Olympian 2009 (Latest issue)

The Naparima College Handbook

Normally issued to students during their Form 1 year, the Naparima College Handbook outlines the rules of the institution, codes of conduct as well as other information regarding school life.

Entry requirements

Admission to Naparima College is determined by performance on an examination, known as the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA). This examination comprises three papers that must be attempted by all candidates; Creative Writing, Mathematics and Language Arts.

Naparima College tends to be an institution of first or second choice of the four prospective institutions each examine is required to list, in preferential order of interest prior to the examination. The four preferences are drawn from the totality of secondary institutions nationwide.

For a candidate to attain admission into Naparima College, he must have a percentage of 93–100 after writing the SEA. Naparima College no longer accepts female students (1967) and therefore only male examines may include the institution in their list of preferential schools.

Prominent alumni

The following is a list of individuals who have attended Naparima College and made notable contributions to society and the world.^[3]

• Adrian Cola Rienzi
• Alvin Jugoon, international educator
• Ancil Farrier, national footballer
• Anton Goberdhan, MCF of the Year (2009)
• Barendra J. Sinanan, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Trinidad & Tobago
• Daren Ganga, West Indies vice-captain and captain of the Trinidad and Tobago National Cricket Team^[4]
• Davindra Dookie, actor and director
• Dennis Hall, comedian
• Dr. Samuel Ghouralal, pioneering neuro-surgeon in Trinidad and Tobago.^[5] Awarded the Chaconia Medal Gold in 1989^[6]
• Dr. Kenneth Ramchand, Professor Emeritus of English at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine and Independent Senator (Senate of Trinidad and Tobago
• Dr Henry Daniel , professional dancer, artistic director, professor of contemporary arts at SFU
• Dr. Hollis Seunarine, founder and medical director, Jai Medical Systems, a managed care organization serving the poor and vulnerable in the City of Baltimore.
• Dr. Lall Sawh, urologist
• Dr. Jean Ramjohn-Richards, First Lady of Trinidad and Tobago
• Dr. Rainier Sayers, Doctor of Neuropathy
• Errol Sitahal, actor
• Fayad Ali, author of various mathematics texts
• Horace James (II), actor, writer, producer, director.^[7]
• Ian Angus N. Ali , artist, teacher, poet, dramatist, media personality for TTT
• James Lee Wah, Vice-Principal at Naparima College, nationally-recognized dramatic arts director and promoter
• Kenneth Ramchand, professor, and author
• Len Traboulay, elected Mayor of Port Coquitlam, B.C. in 1981
• Leonson Lewis, former football player who represented Trinidad and Tobago on the national level He was also part of the famous 'Strike Squad' of the late 1980s
• Manny Ramjohn, athlete. The Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella Trinidad and Tobago was named in his honor
• Mervyn M. Dymally, (California State Assemblyman, former U.S. Congressman and former Lieutenant Governor of California)^[8]
• Miguel de la Bastide, Flamenco guitarist
• Winston Dookeran, former Governor of the Central Bank and leader of the political party, Congress of the People
• Noor Hassanali, former President of Trinidad and Tobago^[9]
• Rabindranath Maharaj, notable new novelist on the Canadian / West Indian literary scene
• Rawle Ramkissoon, 1930's scholar, classicist, (London), later Asst. Director of Education
• Ralph Laltoo, scholar, Dalhousie alumnus, past teacher of English Literature at Naparima College, Principal of Queen's Royal College for many years.
• Ralph Maraj, Trinidad and Tobago politician (former Government minister) and playwright
• Rikki Jai, Trinidadian chutney-soca artiste^[10]
• Samuel Selvon, author^[11]
• Shaun Riaz, artist
• Sir Isaac Hyatali, former Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago
• Sir Trevor McDonald, radio broadcaster, author, knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, as 'Keeper of the English Language" ^[12]

See also

• Naparima Girls' High School
• Hillview College
• Iere High School
• Saint Augustine Girls' High School
• List of schools in Trinidad and Tobago

References

• Anthony, Michael (2001). Historical Dictionary of Trinidad and Tobago. Scarecrow Press, Inc. Lanham, Md., and London. ISBN 0-8108-3173-2. 

1. ^ http://www.naparima.org/nccrest.htm
2. ^ http://www.naparima.org/ncanth.htm
3. ^ http://www.naparima.org/ncgrad.htm
4. ^ http://cricket.yahoo.com/player-profile/Darren-Ganga_1183
5. ^ A history of neurosurgery: in its ... - Google Books
6. ^ [1]
7. ^ Horace James - IMDb
8. ^ http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=D000592
9. ^ http://www.nalis.gov.tt/Biography/bio_NoorHassanali.html
10. ^ http://www.myspace.com/rikkijai
11. ^ http://caribbean.halloffame.tripod.com/Samuel_Selvon.html
12. ^ http://www.100greatblackbritons.com/bios/trevor_macdonald.html

External links

• Official Site
• Alumni Site
• http://www2.carib-link.net/naparima/naps.html
• Naparima Alumni Association of Canada