World Class 2012 in partnership with the British Council tell the stories of the schools where the dreams begin. Waldensia Primary is twinning with The Orion Primary School, London Waldensia Primary School  | SCHOOL STATISTICS Students - 90, ages 6 to 12 Teachers - 4 Where in the world? Sherwood Content, Trelawny parish, Jamaica Languages - English |
Waldensia Primary are proud of their pupils' hard work in lessons and extra curricular activities. The school's aim is to ensure that each of their 90 pupils is numerate and literate when they complete their time at Waldensia aged 12. Many pupils get good marks in their Grade 6 Achievement Tests (GSAT) in maths, English, science and social studies and go on to high school. Usain was one such bright student who went on to William Knibb High School. The village of Sherwood Content is in Trelawny parish, a semi-rural area of Jamaica where local crops include coffee, coconuts, bananas and yams. Star pupils The school's current stars include a spelling bee champion, the football, cricket and athletics teams and the 4-H club who take part in extra curricular projects to develop citizenship, leadership and life skills. Usain's school days Head teacher Mamra Flash describes Usain as "well mannered, energetic and lively." She goes on to say that he showed particular talent in maths and English but sometimes got distracted and played around during class. The school is proud of Usain's accomplishments. His success spurs the current students on to work hard and to aspire to the same level of achievement. The fastest man on the planet's sporting ability was obvious whilst at Waldensia Primary. As well as being a track superstar Usain was also a talented cricketer and footballer. Like the current pupils, Usain practised his batting and penalty taking on the school's sloping playing field. Homecoming celebrations On his return from the Beijing Olympics in 2008, pupils and teachers welcomed the triple gold medallist back to Trelawny in a homecoming reception at the school. At the celebrations, Waldensia pupils met Usain and took home souvenirs including t-shirts and bags. Challenges of growing up in rural Jamaica Waldensia's teachers work hard to instil a positive attitude and good behaviour in their students. Many pupils come from poor rural backgrounds. The school is proud of pupils who overcome the challenges of living in rural Jamaica and the school's limited facilities to go on to bright futures. Parents are asked to share the cost of textbooks, exercise books, pens and pencils because of the school's limited funds and many families find it difficult to make these payments. New IT facilities Usain's achievements inspire current students to work hard to realise their ambitions and with his success the school has been able to improve their facilities. Waldensia pupils now have access to an IT resource centre with computers, scanners and other digital equipment. They have also received sports equipment, books and other classroom equipment. All the resources have been gratefully received by the school and are further support for students trying to fulfil the school's motto of 'Higher heights for all'.
World Olympic Dreams Usain is one of the athletes being tracked as London 2012 approaches and they strive to make their Olympic dreams a reality.
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He's a role model for all our pupils and he inspires them to pursue their talents. They want to be just like him
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