History
The Berekum senior high school (BESS) was established in 1970 by the joint efforts of the Berekum traditional 
council and the Berekum youth association BYA. Before the year 1970, there was no viable secondary school in Berekum and pupils who passed the common entrance exams had to travel Kumasi, cape coast and Accra for further studies. The only secondary school run by the Anglican Church was an apology of a secondary school with less than fifty students.
When the BYA appealed to the Anglican Church to improve the conditions of the school, the church in a strong worded letter rejected the association's appeal. The BYA therefore decided to initiate the process to establish the school. They appealed to the traditional council who supported with them with £80. Nana Yiadom Boakye II was the then President of the Berekum traditional council.
The community center was renovated and was for the school. It was inspected by the Ghana education service who gave approval for the establishment by July 1970.
The initial problem the BYA faced was how to get students enrolled in the new school. The BYA hired a tipper truck and moved to all the villages to canvas support for the school in terms of enrolment. By September 1970, the initial problem had been resolved and the school began to operate with F.O Asante as the first Headmaster.
The following people were very instrumental in the establishment of the school; the late Nana Yiadom Boakye II, Chairman of the Berekum Traditional Council, Mr. Kwabena Kyere, Mr. J.E.K Amankonah, Mr E.K. Addae, the late Mr. A.K. Tawiah, Dr. Henneh Ababio and the late Mr. Asomah Gyan.
Headmasters and Period in office
|
Name of Head Master |
Period in Office |
|
F.O. Asante |
October 1970 – July 1976 |
|
Kwame Adum |
July 1976 – September 1977 |
|
J.G.O Baidu |
September1977 – April 1980 |
|
Kwabena Kyere |
April !980 – March 1982 |
|
Donyina Kyereme |
March 1982 – August 1984 |
|
K.A. Arhin |
August 1984 – October 1990 |
|
S. K. Ayensu |
October 1990 – October 1999 |
|
George Adjei-Henneh |
October 1999 - 2007 |
| Augustine Adigah | 2007- October 2010 |
| Joseph Kwaku Kyere | October 2010- |
Vision
The school has set itself the vision of becoming one of the best schools in the country by 2015
Mission
The school is committed to helping the students acquire knowledge, develop critical thinking skills, right attitudes and values that will enable them contribute positively towards the improvement of their communities.
Programme
General Science
The subjects offered are Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Elective Mathematics
Agricultural Science
Subjects offered are Physics, Chemistry, General Agriculture and Animal Husbandry
Business
Subjects: Financial Accounting, Business Management, Principles of cost accounting and Economics,
General Arts I
Subjects: Economics, Geography, Government, Elective mathematics
General Arts II
Subjects: Christian Religious Studies, Government, Literature-In-English and Twi(Asante)/ French
Home Economics
Subjects: management-in Living, Food and Nutrition and General Knowledge in Arts
Visual Arts
Subjects: General Knowledge in Arts, Graphic design and sculpture.
Status of Institution
The school is co-educational with both day and boarding facilities.
Academic performance
Over the years the school provided various students to various universities in the country and tertiary institution. The school has full internet access which enable students to be abreast with current trends of technology and information worldwide. Courses in moral education and other core subjects are offered, which in effect help equip students with good morals and manners.
In conjunction with the institute of renewable natural resources of KNUST, the school undertakes grass cutter rearing. Interested students get the opportunity of acquiring skills in the management of such projects.
Discipline
In pursuit of the school’s vision all students are required to display a high sense of honesty and integrity in their academic and non-academic life.
Co- Curricular activities
As an all-round institution, the school provides avenues for students to develop their talents. This is achieved through the development and implementation of various activities such as sports, club activities, students’ unions, student’s associations and several others that are recognized by the school authority. Clubs such as Debating Club, Science club, UNESCO, and Green Earth clubs are available. New students are encourage to join clubs actively participate in their activities.
Cultural troupe
The cultural troupe of the school has been the best in the region for several years in inter and intra school competitions.
Spiritual Development
To enhance and promote the spiritual development of our students, compulsory non-denominational church service is held twice in a term while students are permitted to join numerous religious groupings on the compound for regular fellowship meetings.
Groups such as Assembly of God campus ministry (AGCM), Pentecostal students association (PENSA), scripture Union (PEMSU), Catholic Students Union (CASU), Adventist Students’ Fellowship and several others are also given recognition to worship during specified hours.
Population
1341 with 836 Male and 505 Female as at April 2010.
Number of Staff
23 Non-teaching staff including the Headmaster.
56 Teaching Staff
Location
The school is located in the Berekum on the Sunyani-Berekum road, between Kato and the College of Education on the left hand-side from Kato and on the right-hand side from Berekum College of Education.
Contact
+233352222025
