For 65 years, Parkinson Memorial School has had one simple goal: to take every child who walks through the door and show them that they can be great.
The school proudly bears the name of Rawle Parkinson, a man known as the “Grandfather of Education” in Barbados. He was a visionary who believed in teaching students real-world skills.
Over the years, the school’s value has at times been underestimated. But the students it has produced are the best proof of its success. We see it in leading educators like D. David Browne, and in Captain Tevin Maynard, who went from the Pine to the State House to serve the President. We see it in Kelly-Ann Blackman, who used her “Parkinson grit” to become a top attorney. And, of course, we see it in legends like Malcolm Marshall and Edwin Yearwood, who took their island talent to the world stage.
Minister of Educational Transformation Chad Blackman has described Parkinson as “a shining example of what occurs when discipline, opportunity and belief combine.”
Both past and present students say the secret to the school’s success is the dedicated staff – from the secretaries and ancillary workers who keep things running smoothly to the teachers who stay late to help a student find their confidence.
According to Principal Captain Adrian Ward, whether you are into mathematics, hairdressing, singing, or science, there is a space for all students to grow at Parkinson.
In its 65th year, the school is looking forward to exciting changes, like the brand-new Creative Arts block currently under construction. Principal Ward says the school, anchored by its motto, Onward and Upward, will keep moving and growing for years to come to ensure every student can achieve greatness.
Read the full Parkinson story in our special 65th-anniversary feature in this week’s Midweek Nation.
