Headmaster's Notes 02
(1957-58)

IN the life of a new school each year marks a definite stage in its development and the year just ended has been a very significant one.

The decision to enter a group of boys for the Ordinary Level of the General Certificate of Education at the end of the fourth year of their course has been amply justified, the results obtained setting a standard of which all concerned may justifiably feel proud, and which succeeding generations of boys must work hard to emulate. In recent years the grammar school course has come more and more to be regarded as one of seven years, and the establishment of a sixth form this September, modest in size though it is, shows that the school is growing up.

The past year has also been noteworthy for the school's first full-length dramatic production and first concert.

In September, 1957, we welcomed seven new masters, reference to whom is made elsewhere in this magazine: in this current term we welcome a further eight. Mr. C. M. Johns, B.Sc (Hons.). University of Wales, comes to us from Harrow County School to take charge of Economics; and Mr. P. A. Johnson, B.A. (Hons.). London, from Coopers' School to take charge of German. We welcome also Mr. N. Bowker, B.Sc. (Hons.), from Imperial College, London (Physics): Mr. A. Fletcher. BA (Hons.). University of Durham (French and Latin); Mr. D. G. Owen. B.A. from St. Edmund Hall, Oxford (History): Mr. D. J. Proudman, B.Sc., University of Hull (Chemistry): Mr. K. Walker, B.Sc (Hons.) from Imperial College, London (Maths.: and Mr. M. R. Rose L.R.A.M., A.R.C.M., G.R.S.M. who comes to us part-time for Music. We are glad to have, for the first time, a French Assistant. Monsieur P. Benielli, from the University of Poitiers.

During 1957-58 the school was still without a playing field, and we were again indebted to the Headmasters of Northwood and Queensmead Secondary Modern Schools for allowing us use of their fields. However we have had the satisfaction of watching the grass grow on our own field, and look forward to full use of it next summer. To my regret the grounds surrounding the school are still a disgrace to the authority, though we may comfort ourselves with the thought that the expenditure for laying them out and for providing an athletics area has been passed. Alas, the wheels of local government turn slowly, and there is still no hint that the commencement of work is imminent.

Once again the school has reason to be grateful for the continuing support of the Parents' Association. Of special interest has been the "Friends of the Library" schemie, doubtless inspired by Mr. Saltmarsh's reference to the library as the heart of a grammar school. Books to the value of £50 have already been donated, and it is hoped that parents of the new entrants will support this project to make the library worthy of the school .