American Academy Larnaca historical event summary

The American Academy Larnaca hosted an event titled 'From the Footprints of Yesterday to the Vision of Tomorrow' to reflect on its history and future. Principal Margarita Constantinidou opened the proceedings, emphasizing the institution's ongoing commitment to its foundational values. Dr. Anastasia Yiangou, a historian at the Centre for Scientific Research, delivered a keynote on education under British rule in Cyprus from 1878. She specifically highlighted the 1935 curriculum reforms, which prioritized the English language. Alexis Michaelides provided a historical overview of the school's founding, noting that Reverend Walter McCarroll proposed a secondary school with boarding facilities in 1908. The school's original objectives included teaching the Bible, English, and vocational training in commerce. Furthermore, in 1919, William Wilbur Weir elevated the curriculum to include advanced studies comparable to university level, significantly enhancing the school's reputation. The event also noted the school's later expansion into secondary education for girls.