Westwood High School. Photo courtesy of will-robson.com The village of Stewart Town, Trelawny was founded in 1812 by Royal Assent of King George, III, of England. The town was named after James Stewart, then Custos of the parish.
The town's collection of Georgian buildings boasted all the basic amenities similar to those in the parish capital -- Falmouth. One of the village's distinguished institution for young women, Westwood High School, was founded in reaction to a clear display of racial prejudice.
According to various historical notes, the famous abolitionist, Reverend William Knibb formed a school in Falmouth called the Polly Knibb School. In 1876, the Knibbs enrolled two black girls which outraged the parents of the white students. The Knibbs refused to expel the girls. In a show of defiance the white parents withdrew their children causing the school to fail in 1881.
Later that year, Knibb managed to secure funding for a new school and in 1882, Westwood High School was opened to all young ladies, regardless of colour. It was first named Manchester Pen but in 1885 the school was renamed Westwood High School.
Today, the school is well-known as the school on the hill where the girls still wear Jippi Jappa Hats as part of their uniform -- a colonial tradition. The school is not only known for its uniform but for its strong disciplinary practices, where you enter the school as a girl and leave as a lady.
The town's collection of Georgian buildings boasted all the basic amenities similar to those in the parish capital -- Falmouth. One of the village's distinguished institution for young women, Westwood High School, was founded in reaction to a clear display of racial prejudice.
According to various historical notes, the famous abolitionist, Reverend William Knibb formed a school in Falmouth called the Polly Knibb School. In 1876, the Knibbs enrolled two black girls which outraged the parents of the white students. The Knibbs refused to expel the girls. In a show of defiance the white parents withdrew their children causing the school to fail in 1881.
Later that year, Knibb managed to secure funding for a new school and in 1882, Westwood High School was opened to all young ladies, regardless of colour. It was first named Manchester Pen but in 1885 the school was renamed Westwood High School.
Today, the school is well-known as the school on the hill where the girls still wear Jippi Jappa Hats as part of their uniform -- a colonial tradition. The school is not only known for its uniform but for its strong disciplinary practices, where you enter the school as a girl and leave as a lady.
Student modeling and with hat and "grip" (suitcase). Photo compliments of the Gleaner
