In
the 1960's basic teaching comprised Maths, English, History, Geography, Science (Boys),
Biology (Girls), Woodwork (Boys), House Craft and Needlework (Girls), Music, Religious
Instruction, Art and pottery, Technical Drawing. P.E. was practised in the school
gymnasium, and games - Cricket and Football (Boys), Hockey (Girls) were coached on the
vast school playing fields (most of which are now under car parks and additional
buildings).
The school hall was
used daily for Christian Service before school, and doubled for entertainment activities
including school concerts. At three week intervals, a shared film projector was used to
provide an educational film show for the whole school, needless to say this was the
highlight of the month.
The initial
headmaster Mr. Ronald Johnson B.Sc. was a character to be greatly respected. Ruling his
school with an iron fist, he was definitely a fair and devoted master, positively not to
be crossed. The deputy head, Mrs. Coles, similar to her superior was a highly competent
and professional member of the senior staff, commanding much respect. Her natural role was
that involving the welfare of female pupils, many of whom may owe the foundation of their
current career to her enthusiasm and influence.
Teaching staff in the early days comprised:
Mr. Baxondale (Senior English)
Mrs. Bostock (Needlework)
Mr. Brown (Science & Maths)
Mrs. Coles (Biology)
Mr. Crab (Maths)
Mr. Draycott (Maths & P.E.)
Mr. Dutton (Music)
Mr. Hallet (Woodwork)
Miss Harley ( P.E.)
Mr. Holt (Art / Pottery)
Mr. Jenner (History & Geography)
Mr. R. Johnson (Senior Maths)
Mrs. Monaghan ( R.E.)
Mr. Penniston (Science)
Mr. Perry (Art)
Mr. Pilling (Woodwork)
Miss Tye (Housecraft)
Miss. Wain (R.I. & Junior English)
Rev. Walpole-Wiggington (English & R.I)
Mrs. Westerby (P.E. & R.I.)
The initial intake
was in the order of 200 pupils, a number which gradually increased to approximately 450 by
1986, when the school merged to become the Earl of Scarbrough High School. The
school was unable to provide courses for (in those days) G.C.E. O level, and at the age of
14 years, those pupils capable and wishing to achieve a higher education, had cause to
move to either the Lumley School, Skegness (Commercial related course), Spilsby Franklin
School, Spilsby (Science related course) or Skegness Grammar School (various O level
courses). The only general qualification that was available from local education in those
days to secondary school pupils was the S.E.L.S.L.E (South East Lindsey School Leavers
Exam). Successful results bore little weight in terms of academic qualifications, but did
provide a certificate which gave most pupils a feeling of pride and achievement. As most
are aware, that exam was later superseded by the C.S.E., (Certificate of Secondary
Education) now succeeded by G.C.S.E., (General Certificate of Secondary Education), a
merger of the former G.C.E. O level and C.S.E. However a few pupils remained within the
school as a "fifth year" group and ultimately took R.S.A (Royal Society of Arts)
examinations.
Pupils were divided
into "A" stream and "B" stream, in accordance with ability, and there
were four years in each group, i.e. 1A, 2A, 3A etc. There were four "house"
groups, (generally very relevant in sporting activities), namely:
Chester
Lincoln
York
Durham
In
terms of teaching, the priority fell into the following order:
Mathematics
English
Science / Biology
History / Geography
PE / Games
Woodwork / Needlework / House Craft / Hygiene
R.I.
Art / Pottery
Music
Clearly emphasis fell on the three "R"'s,
supported by peripheral subjects. Other languages were not taught until a much later date.
Discipline while not
harsh, was respected. There were few events in the 1960's, that were little more than
roguish pranks. Most teachers would administer a good whack across the back side for
minor disruptions, not particularly painful, but worked effectively! More serious
matters were dealt with by the headmaster. Many may recall the strong odour of tabacco in
the headmaster's office, the punishment log book that was located in the drawer of his
desk, the suspense when he turned toward the storeroom to locate the split bamboo cane.
Known as "The Whack", a stroke from Ron Johnson hurt! Administered by raising
the cane above his head, lifting his right foot, and merging the cane with the palm of the
left hand (enabling the pupil to continue to write with the right hand!), few wished to
repeat the exercise. Severe pain was instant, and persisted for some 30 minutes, after
which it mellowed into a warm glow, that lasted for hours. In excessive cases, upto six
strokes were administered, either on each hand, or across the back side! Despite modern
practices, most left school with great respect for the headmaster, and the majority grew
to became very respectable members of the local community and in that of their future
residence.
Female discipline was administered by Mrs. Coles in a
similar manner, the ultimate deterent being the cane.
Detention was
another form of discipline, and it was not uncommon to administer 1 hour detention after
school for late submission of homework. It was also a practice to retain the pupils of the
whole school after hours following an incident, the head would retain the whole school
until the perpetuator admitted to the crime.
Encouragement was
promoted by "Merit Cards", good work was rewarded by 1/4 merit (thus 4 made a
merit). A merit was logged and published. Awards were presented to winners at the year
end. On the negative site a "Conduct Card" represented a negative merit, and was
debited to the score. Holders of conduct cards were expected to have the card endorsed for
satisfactory behaviour by the respective teacher at the end of each lesson, for the period
that the card was held.
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