Dominica Grammar School

The Dominica Grammar School is a public co-education secondary school in Roseau, Dominica, established in 1893. Contrary to its name the school no longer functions as a 'grammar school' as it has expanded its curriculum beyond its historical scope.

History

The birth-place of the Dominica Grammar School was in "Lagon", Roseau. It was in the building known as No. 66 Queen Mary Street, now occupied by Mr. Ashton Piper, Barrister-at-Law and Solicitor. Up to 1877, the plot of land measuring just over 5,000 square feet (460 m²), at the corner of what was then Marlborough Street and Grandby Street, was vacant. It was purchased at public auction by a merchant named Henry Hamilton on behalf of his friend Alexander Robinson. The latter started to build on the plot of land in 1878.

The story goes that Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence, and his younger brother, Prince George, who later became King George V of Great Britain, visited Dominica in 1879 as naval cadets on the HMS Bacchante and were entertained at the Robinson house which was afterwards named "Clarence Hall", in honor of the royal visitor. The name, however, appears to have fallen into disuse with the passage of time. Robinson probably occupied to building as a dwelling but when Government decided to open the Dominica Grammar School on January 16, 1893, the spacious stone building on Grandby Street was rented for school purposes. The property has been in the possession of the Piper family since 1924 when it was purchased by public auction by Mr. Augustus Piper. The building is said to have been extensively damaged by fire before it passed on to Mr. Augustus Piper.

Curriculum

The school offers a range of academic and technical subjects aimed at catering to the increasing demands of its in excess of 1,000 student population. these include but are not limited to agricultural science, auto mechanics, home economics and management in addition to its traditional natural and social science offerings

Distinguished alumni

• Pierre Charles - 6th Prime Minister of Dominica, attended 1967-1970 before transferring to the Saint Mary's Academy.
• Roosevelt Douglas - 5th Prime Minister of Dominica
• Edison James - 4th Prime Minister of Dominica
• Liam Sebastien - Windward Islands cricketer.
• Clarence Seignoret - former President of Dominica
• Vernon Shaw - former President of Dominica
• Roosevelt Skerrit - 7th Prime Minister of Dominica
• Crispin Sorhaindo - former President of Dominica
• ((Delmance Ras Mo Moses (Poet, Musician, Performing Artist))

Dominica Grammar School Symbols

Motto: Mens Sana Incorpore Sano (A Sound Mind in a Healthy Body)

Pledge: I pledge allegiance to the Dominica Grammar School, I promise to co-operate in promoting a healthy learning environment, I will strive for success and uphold the standards of the school, And under God persevere with a sound mind in a healthy body.

The Student Council

The School currently has a system in which a student council, which includes prefects and form representatives is headed by the Headboy and Headgirl of the school.