academic excellence and discipline
We are a Junior and Senior Secondary School founded in 1995 by the Methodist Mission. We are dedicated to serving students with a variety of academic preparations, through instruction in the humanities, social and natural sciences, business and morals. The outcome is an educated person full of knowledge and discipline.
We provide an opportunity for education to all regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin or ethnic background.
The Gambia Methodist Academy was established in January 1995 by the Methodist Church of The Gambia.
With major financial assistance from GAMWORKS and moral and technical support from the Department of State for Education and the Methodist Church, the idea became a reality in September 1995 when the school opened its doors to 135 students at Kanifing, MDI Road.
In September 1996, the school moved to its current location in Mile 7, Bakau next to Radio Gambia. With the introduction of the double shift system, the student body almost doubled to 365. It was officially opened at its present site on the 25thJanuary 1997 by the then Secretary of State for Education, Mrs. Satang Jow.
Its first Principal was Mr. Isaac J A Goode and Reverend Titus K A Pratt served as the first Chairman of the Board of Governors of the school.
We have a variety of school based clubs established by the administration, students and national organisations
French Club
Established by students to aid in the study of French Language, culture and values. French club conducts workshops, debates, project writing exercises and participates in national competitions. These activities have greatly improved French fluency among students and is reflected in the top grades obtained in both national and international exams.
Peer Health Club
Established and sponsored by the Nova Scotia/Gambia Association NSGA, it concerns itself with the many challenges facing young people. Officials of NSGA organise workshops and seminars for members and encourage them to educate their peers. Topics include AIDS, drug addition, poverty eradication, the rights of the child, illegal migration and healthy lifestyles. Members also organise fund-raising shows and contribute to the development of the school.
Science Club
Science club membership is open to all interested students. It’s objective is to stimulate and maintain interest in all areas of science and to keep up with modern scientific and technological developments. The club’s activities include talks, visits to places of interest, exhibitions, quiz and debates.
Scripture Union
The Scripture Union is open to all students who wish to have a deeper knowledge in Christian teachings, principles, values and morality. It aims at bringing up a crop of Christian students who can influence their peers to become ambassadors of Christ and spread the Gospel. Members conduct devotion at assembly and give testimonies. They participate in the National Scripture Union annual activities and competitions and they have won a number of Scripture Union trophies.
Business Club
Established by members of the business studies department, they operate a kiosk in the school and sell drinks. It is hoped that through the management of this enterprise, members will acquire practical business skills and develop the business acumen needed for them to become successful entrepreneurs in the future.
The funds generated are used in developing the school and organsing the club’s social activities.
Young Farmers Club
Established by the agricultural science department to encourage students to develop an interest in all forms of agricultural activities. Members cultivate garden plots on campus and the produce is sold to raise funds for the club. Members also demonstrate their horticultural skills by beautifying the campus.
Extra-curricular activities take place every Friday. They involve diverse and wide ranging activities aimed at providing a holistic education for the students.
Class Meetings
Class teachers meet with their respective students and discuss school polices and problems encountered by the students. Peculiar problems facing students individually or collectively are discussed and the ideas and decisions arrived at are conveyed to the administration.
Parents Day
Once a year, parents and guardians are invited to the school in the middle of the second term to have first hand information on the progress and conduct of their children. Teachers and parents share their thought on how best to help students overcome their academic, emotional and psychological problems.
Parents Visitation
Once a term parents are invited to address a particular class on academic and relevant social issues. We want to directly involve parents in the academic life of the school and advice students to take their studies seriously so as to become responsible citizens in the future.
Career Talk
We invite professionals from all walks of life to give students an insight into their professions and to motivate them. This exposes students to the academic requirements, work ethics, remuneration and other areas of interest relating to different fields. It helps students decide on careers to pursue after school.
Project Writing
Students are encouraged to write extensively on chosen topics. The topics usually are on issues affecting their communities in particular and the world in general. Nuclear weapons, foreign aid, environmental hazards, political instability in Africa and outmoded cultural practices are some such topics.
The aim of project writing is to inculcate into the students, the need to undertake research into pertinent issues and to be creative and imaginative. Project writing also widens the academic horizon of the students and gives them the opportunity of attaining knowledge on global issues.
A panel made up of members of staff scrutinizes the works of the students and selects a few which are sent to a prominent Gambian writer, for the final assessment. The best project exercises are selected and prizes are awarded to deserving students.
Quiz Competitions
These are a regular feature of our academic life. Inter-house, inter-club and inter-class quiz competitions dominate the academic landscape. Winners are awarded prizes.
A special committee has been formed to oversee these competitions. The cardinal purpose of this exercise is to arouse in students, the spirit of healthy competition and the desire to seek information from various sources including newspapers, magazines and the internet. In the process of seeking information to prepare for the quiz competitions, students’ research skills and academic standards are enhanced considerably.
‘Tis here we seek for truth and peace and wisdom infinite
‘Tis here we shall plod on
Until the best is reached
And we shall shine forth as meteors
In our great and beautiful world
Not by our might
But by the might of Almighty God
We know we shall succeed
We know we’ll reach our desired goal
Nothing shall hinder us
As long as He leads on
Let’s then lift up the name
Of our beloved alma mater!
Gambia Methodist Academy
P O Box 4005
Bakau, The Gambia
Office Tel : +220 7109242