Lawerence College



Life has become rather routine for me now.

 

School begins at 8:00 am each day and goes through to 2:00 pm. 

Friday, being the Muslim holy day, classes finish at 12 noon.  

 

The seniors have an assembly close to their classrooms and the junior school meets on 'The Flat'.

Since my morning classes begin in the junior school I join them for their assembly which consists of a short prayer and the pledging of  their allegiance to the flag of Pakistan. 

One of the teachers has given me the words to the national anthem written in Roman-Urdu (the Urdu language written in Roman script).  I haven't yet memorised the words but can sing along happily, from my sheet, with everybody else! 

 

Classes are formal and a lot of rote learning takes place.

I must say that an excellent foundation is given by a great team of dedicated teachers.

 

From Class 6 upwards the children begin to show some independence in their learning.

It's at this level that you can see them beginning to think for themselves.  I feel quite 'at home' with the older students.  I only teach English.

 

 

 

About ten days ago Sister Marian received an invitation from Lawerence College for herself, and a companion, to attend their Performing Arts Show.  Sister knows the principal quite well (private schools in the area have a good relationship).  I had passed by the college a number of times, had seen the high security at the gates and noted the razor wire on their boundrary fence, extending over kilometres, so was delighted to be the chosen 'companion'! 

 

Lawerence College is Pakistan's oldest independent public boarding school. 

Like us here, it is located in the foothills of the Himalayas ... not very far down the road from CJM. 

It is built on 150 acres and many of the students are from families who have been educated there over a number of generations, most of them well-to-do families who have connections with Government and Army.  I believe the High Commissioner in Wellington is a past pupil.

 

We were given a very warm reception.

Any 'foreigner' seems to hold a fascination for Pakistanis. 

I have been told I must return and visit the classes. 

I'll await that invitation!!

 

The evening was most enjoyable and the performances of the boys ... short dramas, dance and song ... very entertaining.
 

The Guest of Honour, an Old Gallian, holds a high position in the Pakistan Army so the security was truly unbelieveable ... soldiers with guns in SUV's around the entrance, soldiers at every bend of the long drive up to the college buildings, large guns mounted on vehicles here and there and military police.

 

 

The clock tower





Two proud Gallians

The entrance to the auditorium

The college crest






Two of the invited guests that night! 
Above is the edge of the tent that
had long tables set up with finger food
and above that is the area where the
military police were gathering.

 

 

A well polished choir

 

The boys performed an amazing dance

 

The first curtain announcing the Annual Performing Arts Show