I once believed and still do that the Great House at Knockalva Agricultural School stood tall, strong, and probably holds great secrets. Secrets that while studying in the halls I often tried to imagine, knowing at the same time this grand structure will never give up all her secrets.
Built in 1860 this Great House, in the parish of Hanover, is now home to many students who are pursuing a career in the agricultural sector. With its manicured lawn and expansive view, Knockalva consists of; agronomy, pig, poultry, and dairy-farming as ‘practicals’ while chemistry, physics, biology, agricultural business, math and English are the ‘theories’ taught. There are also mechanics and welding classes. Knockalva also has expanded its’ curriculum over the years.
There are three, what we called, batches; first, second, and third year, where as third year students are the most senior, have many privileges, and are to be respected by their lower counterparts. The Head Boy and Girl are selected from this batch. Second year students are of course next in seniority, have certain privileges, and are to be respected by first year students. However, first year students have no privileges, are called ‘Grubs’ (males) and ‘Grubesses’ (females), and get no respect.
There is also an alias (nickname) system in place, for instance when a first year student arrives for school for the very first time, he/she will be given an alias. Now the alias one is given is based on who that first year resembles from the second or third year batch. So, when that student is named, the word Grub or Grubess is added on as a title. Hence, Grubess Bird Beak would be an example. Upon getting this alias, that second or third year student (whose name was given) then becomes a campus mother or grandmother respectively, for that new student. On the other hand the males are campus fathers and grandfathers.
I believe from my experience this ‘system’ was put in place by ‘Ole Farmers’, past graduates, to keep order, have fun, and to support a very disciplined learning environment. We all lived, worked, learned, ate, cried, and laughed together. I had fun and learned a lot while attending Knockalva Agricultural School. It is a beautiful place and it was exciting going back after eighteen years.
In this slide show you will see a panoramic vista from the Great House veranda, displaying her breathtaking view, which over looks the boys’ dormitories and poultry farm.
Wonders of Jamaica 
Excellent article. You should consider coming to the school and do this piece for us. Please get in touch with admin at (Dr. J. Nelson) 1-876-530-0920
Hi Mr. Watson thank for so much for your kindness. I will certainly give Mr. Nelson a call to set a date to come visit. I loved attending KAS and enjoy the view and the Great House. Thank you…One Love.
aah my skl love it……..
Thank you.
Its about time that Knockalva gets a facelift.We know how to do Masonary.Knockalva has beautiful scenary,yet the school building deterioting.
Hi Errol, thanks for the comment. I agree with you she really does need a facelift, but how can we get this done?
I suggested sometime ago,that a school foundation can be established by past students, as in “PASTSTUDENT” account. Checks should be made payable to that account,and then choose a board to decide on the various forms of financial management.
Hi Sheryl, Its Josh Nelson, Principal and Past Student class of 1982. An excellent article. It is quite similar to the presentation that we use on our recruiting visits to feeder schools. I believe that there is much to be gained from your article. When would you like to come and visit again? let me know at cowmar64@hotmail.com, 279-7735. To Errol Hewitt and the other OLE CULTIS out there, lets start with May 23, Labour day 2013, we(the Alumni Association, registered and with account and executive???) will be painting the great house. please pass the word around, come and join us. bring, send paint-offwhite, grey bergundy, and other contribution. See flyer at knockalva agri facebook
Thank you for the comment and invite, it was a pleasure hearing from you, Mr. Nelson. I am sorry it took so long in answering, but I just recently moved back home and it was hectic! I am thrill to learn about the Great House make over, this is great news. I will follow up with you via email of my intent. Thank you very much. Take care.
hi josh nelson congrats this is straights you was my senior. remember stone you guys are a dimond in the sky knockalva is a great school words cannot express how i feel about knockalva keep up the god work god bless you sir.
Thanks Drew 🙂