It is fourteen years that the Comprehensive Learning Centre (CLC), at North Hill, has been providing academic, social, and marketable skills for the success of its students. And now, in the 2015-16 academic year of hard work, challenges, and satisfying achievements, this outstanding institution has again demonstrated a high level of success in various qualifying examinations.
The credit is due to Mrs. Sandra York-Gumbs, Owner and Managing Director of the Centre, the cadre of dedicated lecturers drawn from various disciplines of education and the students themselves.
The 14th Student Awards Ceremony was held at St. Gerard’s Roman Catholic Church – on Thursday, October 6 – which was filled to capacity. There, Mr. Bernard Wattley, the Senior CLC Lecturer, delivered the welcome address and introduced the awardees. His introduction also included Mr. Khamal Hodge-Harding, the Mathematics Lecturer, who chaired the ceremony.
In reporting on the performance of the students, Mrs. York-Gumbs said in part: “The CAPE students rose to the challenge flying high with a 96% success rate, while the CSEC students rowed in behind with a 75% pass rate. Ladies and gentlemen, present students, this is no easy accomplishment…These results make our students more marketable. They are made more determined to get up and shine. Of the 29 CAPE sittings there were 28 passes. I need not say more on that. The students continue to display excellence in EDPM where 13 of the 17 students received grades 1 & 2. 10 of the 14 in Principles of Business also had grades 1 & 2. In Social Studies there were 8 out of 9 passes and this was the pattern throughout the 8 of the 9 CSEC subject areas offered in 2015-16. I must comment on English A because, this year, 21 of the 26 students were successful and this is a great improvement. I am looking forward to the day when I stand before you and say the same for Mathematics. The regional results [in Mathematics] are telling us that logical thinking, and the ability to reason analytically, is sorely lacking.”
Mrs. York-Gumbs stressed that the Comprehensive Learning Centre “is committed to providing quality learning experiences which enhance the educational, social and economic needs of the learner and, ultimately, the community of Anguilla.”
The feature address was delivered by Ms. Dorla Hodge, Director of Human Resources at Four Seasons Resort and Residences in Anguilla and a highly-educated and motivated young Anguillian who studied in the United States. She was introduced by her father, Mr. Ralph Hodge, a former Public Service Administrator in the Ministry of Finance – now an Accounts Lecturer at the CLC.
Ms. Hodge used the opportunity to advise the students on responsible planning, how to surmount difficulty and failure, and how to succeed and achieve the best out of life. After drawing from her own academic prowess, experiences, varied pursuits of life, and proactive preparation for the future, she said, to the students being recognised: “Congratulations. Go forth, knowing that within each of us, is the potential for greatness. It is not how badly you want it, but how hard you are prepared to work for it. Mrs. Gumbs, congratulations to you and your staff and I wish you even greater success.”
The pamphlet for the awards ceremony carried the following note to students from the Comprehensive Learning Centre, members of the public and supporters:
“A sound education is a major ingredient for success in today’s world. At the CLC, the capabilities exist to equip you with the knowledge and skills to function in our challenging and competitive environs. Join us for your educational needs. Your success is our passion. The Comprehensive Learning Centre says thanks to all who have contributed to its fourteen years of success”.
