Warwick Academy, the oldest school in the New World, is turning 350 years old next year. This school was founded by the Earl of Warwick in 1662, and the school’s mascot and crest animal, the bear, is a symbol of his passion for the Elizabethan pastime of bear-baiting.The staff and students of Warwick Academy are eagerly anticipating the event, as it marks 350 years of successfully preparing thousands and thousands of students for university and their future lives. Many events are planned for the celebrations, which will run throughout the whole calendar year.The celebrations are being organised by a committee comprised of students, teachers, board members and Conchita Ming (who, incidentally, was the chair of the Bermuda 400-year celebrations two years ago). The chairman of the 350 committee is Vince Ingham, who was a former chairman of the Warwick Academy Board of Directors.All of the events planned for 2012 have a theme of either Bermuda or 350 years, and celebrate “generations of success”, according to Jane Vickers, who both works in the WA Development office and is a parent at the school. To kick off the year in January, the school is holding a tree planting ceremony and assembly with alumni and old heads of the school as special guests. Throughout the year there are many more celebrations such as a float on May 24 (2012) and Bermuda-themed school plays. There will also be 350 memorabilia such as mugs and calendars on sale. Finally, in December, there will be a time capsule planted.One of the major events is an entire gala weekend celebrating the school, which will take place on November 10-11, 2012 at the Fairmont Southampton hotel. Members of the public can come and stay at the hotel, play tennis and golf, take a tour of Warwick Academy, have dinner, or all of the above!There are also ways the general public can contribute to the celebrations. The school is collecting as much memorabilia from the past (such as photos, exercise books and report cards) for display throughout 2012. If you have anything that you don’t mind lending to Warwick Academy, please donate it to the main office (by Middle Road). Also, the school hopes to have a groundbreaking ceremony for the eventual opening of a new IB (International Baccalaureate) centre as the existing one is in need of replacement. Donations towards this are greatly appreciated.See you at the celebrations in 2012 and Happy Birthday Warwick Academy!