–of one of Guyana’s top schools

JACKIE Benn-Ralph, Principal of Queen’s College, has been in the teaching profession for 30 years, starting at the Vryman’s Erven Community High School in Berbice and now heading the highest ranked secondary institution in Guyana.
Educated at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and later at the University of Guyana, where she obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education, Ms Benn began teaching English Language and Literature (otherwise known as English A and B), Social-Studies and later Sociology.

During the course of her career as a teacher, there was always a flame for leadership burning inside her. Eventually, she became the Deputy Principal and later Principal of the New Amsterdam Multilateral School.
In 2012, however, she was appointed Principal of Queen’s College.

THE TRANSITION
Transitioning from the New Amsterdam Multilateral School to Queen’s College was no challenge at all for the Principal, since, as she recounted, her previous school was also known for producing excellent results at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, and at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE).
However, she learnt that the culture of Queen’s College was deep-rooted. “It’s a swim-or-sink environment here,” the educator said, joking that she had to learn this culture and how to adapt quickly.

But the teachers, especially those that have been around for some time, were very receptive and enthusiastic about her arrival.
While many might have crumbled under the pressure of expectancy that comes from being at the helm of a top institution, Ms. Benn said, “I was accustomed to committing and dedicating time to my work.”

FIVE-YEAR-PLAN
She also had an ace up her sleeve, a five-year plan which culminates at the end of this academic year, and guided her in managing the school.
“The only goal I have not achieved is fixing the field,” Ms Benn noted.
The Queen’s College playing field has been neglected for many years and would have fallen into a state of dilapidation. However, she envisions that soon, this field will be refurbished and made into an all-weather track so that not only her students, but other students in Georgetown can benefit.

Also within her five-year plan is the upgrading of the school’s infrastructure, which was another significant challenge. “I set about ensuring rehabilitation was done,” Ms Benn attested, and since her arrival, the school’s infrastructure has been revamped and several additions have been made (or are being made) in an effort to improve the students’ school lives.

For this Principal, students and their troubles are never a bother, and she never views a matter relating to her students as a challenge. “I love children,” she said.
She has worked tirelessly to ensure that each year, Queen’s College students excel in academics and in the co-curricular activities.
Since her arrival in 2012, Queen’s College students have been actively taking part in many co-curricular activities, in and out of school, and excelling in these areas.

Notably, under her watch, Queen’s College took part in the 2016 Children’s Float Parade, and earned third place; this was the first time the school entered this competition.
In the academic realm, she said that Queen’s College has always been known to obtain the Regional CSEC prizes each year, and while she endeavoured to keep that consistency, her aim, too, in her five-year plan is to have her students cop the Regional CAPE prizes also.

RECORD-BREAKING
In 2015, the school broke that barrier when Cecil Cox became the first Queen’s College student and the first Guyanese to earn the Best CAPE performer for the Caribbean.
Aside from excelling regionally, she also recounted that two more of her goals were to recruit more qualified teachers and develop the technical vocational programme at the school.
Both those goals were achieved, and she said that since her arrival, Electrical and Electronic Technology and Mechanical Engineering Technology have been added to the CSEC programme, and technical vocational subjects at the CAPE level were offered as an option.
“I believe that QC should set the trend,” Ms Benn underscored, while explaining that when the examinations’ council introduced new subjects, she ensured that her students were given the opportunity to try them.

At this year’s examinations, her students will be writing Portuguese, Integrated Mathematics, Green Engineering, Gaming Animation and Design and Financial services for the first time.
“I must give credit to my teachers,” Ms. Benn said. “They are always behind me.” She also said that much of her work is made easier since, at Queen’s College, parents and even general members of the public are also very co-operative.

While executing her duties as the principal, Ms. Benn has not abandoned her love for teaching, and finds the time to teach Sociology, Units One and Two, to Sixth Form students.
She highlighted that although there have been many opportunities for her to leave Guyana and practise her profession elsewhere, she believes that she can stay here and help develop her beloved country.

Looking back on her many years as an educator also, the principal highlighted, “Women are very critical for this profession; we can adapt to changes easily, which is important when dealing with children and young adults.”
She added while extending warmest International Women’s Day greetings, “We are nurturers, and we are very effective in the socialising; even our male students.”