Accra, July 24, GNA - Mrs Esi Sutherland Addy, a Senior Research Fellow of the University of Ghana, Legon, on Saturday urged pupils of the Ridge Church School to strive to achieve excellence in their studies to improve the reputation of the school.

She said the pupils had to take advantage of the legacy that had been left behind to improve upon their studies to achieve greater laurels for themselves and the school.

Mrs Sutherland Addy who was speaking at the school's Speech and Prize Giving Day called on parents to support the school to promote innovative teaching and learning that would provide the children with skills to enable them to contribute to the society.

She said after a child had been through Ridge Church School, it should be easy to identify him or her as a person capable of working things out and finding practical solutions to problems.

Mrs Sutherland Addy who gave the children some survival strategies for the prevention of HIV/AIDS advised them against sharing sharp objects and to report anyone who would try to touch their private parts or to have sex with them to their parents.

"Remember that your body is yours and you must take care of it if you want your dreams to come true'' she added.

Mrs. Afua Dake, Headmistress said the school presented 105 candidates for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), adding that, though the school had 100 per cent passes the results were not the best for a school associated with excellence over the past 40 years.

She said seven candidates had grade one in 10 subjects, five grade one in nine subjects while three obtained grade one in eight subjects. Eleven had seven grade ones, six scored six grade ones while the remaining 61 candidates obtained five grade ones.

The Headmistress said there was room for improvement, adding that, most of the children got admission into their first choice Senior Secondary Schools.

She said to improve upon the results, the School Management Committee (SMC) had among other things, introduced subject teaching at the Upper Primary level, adding that, form three students would write externally assessed examinations as part of their preparation towards the BECE.

Mrs Dake said the SMC had also reduced class sizes from 45 to 40 pupils, which it hoped would have a positive impact on teaching and learning.

She said the school chalked various achievements over the years and thanked all the stakeholders for their cooperation that spurred the school on to deliver a quality and holistic education to the pupils. Awards were presented to deserving students and teachers. Ms. Jocelyn Odonkor and Ms. Phelomena Adjei both teachers were presented with cash prizes and plaques for their 20 years of meritorious service to the school.