Takoradi, July 6, GNA - The Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) will mark its centenary in November 2009, Mr Thomas Kofi Mensah, the Headmaster, announced on Saturday.

Speaking at the 99th anniversary and Speech and Prize-Giving Day of the School at Takoradi, Mr Mensah outlined projects for the centenary celebration to include construction of a school gate and building of an anniversary complex.

The 99th anniversary and Speech and Prize-Giving Day were held under the theme: "Improving Science and Technology through the New Educational Reform".

Mr Mensah said the school had been adjudged the best performing Senior High School in the region academically in the West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) last year. He said 401 out of 405 students presented by the school for the examination passed in six or more subjects.

Mr Mensah suggested to the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports to collaborate with the Ministry of Manpower and Youth to engage Junior High School graduates during the four-month period that they wait at home after their final examination.

He said though the period seemed short the students could be useful especially to their communities and districts. Professor George Intsiful of the Faculty of the Architecture and Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, delivered the main anniversary speech. He said the new education reform was a more practical and applied approach when compared to the previous systems which only allowed a "chew, pour, pass and forget" approach to examinations. Professor Intsiful, who is an old student of the school, said the government must provide the necessary facilities and the enabling environment for sound education. He urged the students to appreciate the sacrifices of their parents and guardians to provide them with adequate, proper and meaningful education.