Halcyon High School Ocaapa Campus has marked yet another milestone in its growth with the official launch of its Advanced Level (A’Level) section starting in 2026.
The announcement came during a colorful dedication ceremony for 100 Senior Four candidates, where the school community gathered to give thanks, offer prayers, and prepare students for their forthcoming Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations.
The event, held at the school campus, attracted parents, religious leaders, teachers, and community members who turned up in large numbers to support the 100 candidates being dedicated.
Unlike the traditional farewell parties that many schools host, Halcyon opted for a more spiritual and disciplined celebration a “Dedication Day” emphasizing unity, prayer, and thanksgiving.
“We no longer hold farewell parties because, at times, they get rowdy and lose meaning,” explained Ms. Irene Akurut, the Manager of Halcyon High School Ocaapa Campus.
“Instead, we chose to dedicate our students, invite parents, priests, reverends, and pastors, and let this be a blessing day where we thank God for bringing us this far.”
Parents, Teachers, and Students as the “Three Cookstones” of Education
Speaking to the gathering, Ms. Akurut likened education to a three-cookstone fireplace, symbolizing parents, teachers, and students working together in harmony.
She praised the collaborative efforts that had sustained the candidates throughout their four years of study.
“One year of hard work, revising, and reading has brought us here. We said it is only right to close the year with a blessing, to celebrate the journey completed,” she said.
“We thank the parents who have sacrificed financially, the teachers who have given their time, and the students who have dedicated themselves to study.”
Parents were applauded for their consistent support, from paying school fees to creating enabling environments at home for their children to thrive.
Ms. Akurut emphasized that education was not a solo effort but a community mission that requires the involvement of all stakeholders.
Preparing Students for Life Beyond Exams
While the dedication ceremony was spiritual, the speeches carried strong messages about discipline, focus, and responsibility.
Ms. Akurut urged students to remain disciplined even after the end of their O’Level exams, advising them to use the long holidays productively.
“My appeal to all our candidates is this: go home and be disciplined. Don’t waste time moving around relatives’ homes unnecessarily. Stay home, support your families with housework, and if possible, enroll in short online or physical courses during the long holiday,” she said.
She explained that most parents now have smartphones, giving students an opportunity to engage in digital learning or short vocational programs to acquire practical skills ahead of the next academic step.
Launch of A’Level Section in 2026
The highlight of the event was the announcement that Halcyon Ocaapa Campus will start offering A’Level classes in 2026, giving Senior Four leavers an opportunity to continue their education within the same institution.
According to Ms. Akurut, the school will also offer bursaries to encourage continuity and reward academic excellence.
“For every student returning for A’Level, we shall deduct 100,000 shillings from the school fees,” she announced. “Additionally, those who excel in UCE will be rewarded, seven or eight aggregates will earn you a full bursary. This is our way of motivating our students to aim higher.”
The move is expected to strengthen Halcyon’s position as one of the leading schools in Ngora and surrounding districts, ensuring a seamless education path from O’Level to A’Level within the same environment.
Warning Against Violence in Elections
As the country heads toward another election season, Ms. Akurut also used the platform to caution students against engaging in political violence, drug abuse, or reckless behavior.
She stressed that young people must remain focused on education and not allow politics to derail their future.
“You are still young for politics. Support from home if you must, but don’t be lured into drinking, drugs, or violence in the name of supporting a candidate,” she warned.
“Politics will always be there, but your life and future are more important. Remain disciplined, remain focused, and prepare to be the leaders of tomorrow, ministers, MPs, and counselors.”
Ms. Akurut encouraged students to approach the exams with confidence, reminding them that their efforts would pay off.
“Ebenezer, thus far the Lord has brought us,” she said in her parting words. “You have given your time, and now we pray for God’s wisdom upon you. Go and conquer your exams with flying colors.”
As Halcyon Ocaapa Campus prepares to open its A’Level classes in 2026, the dedication event not only marked an academic milestone but also reinforced the school’s commitment to discipline, spiritual grounding, and community-centered education.
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