“Opportunity, Care, Quality” are not just words. They’re the core principles of Castle Rushen High School. We are standing in front of a place where almost 900 students thrive.
Castle Rushen High School is a co-educational secondary state school. It is located in Castletown on the Isle of Man. It serves pupils from the south of the island. The current building was built in 1961. It has served the community for over 60 years.
Originally, it was meant for 480 students. Over time, extensions were added. The school now caters for nearly 900 students. This is almost double its original capacity.
For nearly a decade, the need for a new school building has been clear. Staff, children, and local MHKs all agree. A 2021 report found the site “increasingly not fit for purpose.” It was described as a “below par” environment for students.
Money was first set aside in the 2016 Budget. 50000 pounds was allocated for initial design work. The entire project was estimated to cost between 30 and 40 million pounds. Despite being described as “essential,” a new school was expected to be seven years away.
Castle Rushen High School groups pupils into four houses. These houses are named after headlands or rocks in the south of the island. They are Bradda Carrick Langness and Scarlett.
The houses compete in various events throughout the year. These range from sporting events to academic competitions. Sports include inter-house rugby, cross country, and netball. Academic competitions use a merit award system for good work. There are four trophies awarded each year. These are for “Sport”, “Merits”, and “Attendance”. The overall best house trophy goes to the house that performs best across the three categories.
Many notable alumni have attended Castle Rushen High School. James Anthony Brown is a former Chief Minister of the Isle of Man. Sir Miles Walker was the first Chief Minister of the Isle of Man. Juan Watterson is the Speaker of the House of Keys.
Castle Rushen High School’s curriculum offers students a broad education. The students’ curriculum journey focuses on fulfillment. This is achieved through academic progression, character enrichment, and skill acquisition. This vision is underpinned by an inclusive ethos. It emphasizes ‘head’, ‘heart’, and ‘hands’.
The school wants its students to leave as knowledgeable. They should be compassionate and skilled young people. They should be ready to positively impact society.
As you stand here today, remember the motto of Castle Rushen High School: Lhiat Myr Toilliu. It encapsulates the spirit of opportunity, care, and quality. It represents the school’s dedication to shaping future generations. The legacy of Castle Rushen High School continues to grow. It impacts not only the Isle of Man but also the wider world.