Speech Days 1940s
1940 Prizewinners
Hemsworth Grammar School's speech day, usually held in November, was cancelled owing to the war. In its place an informal ceremony was arranged on Tuesday, when the prizes usually presented at the speech day were given to the successful students. The ceremony took place in the school hall, and only pupils, staff and Governors were present. County Councillor A. Flavell J.P., chairman of the Governors, presided, supported by Mrs. Flavell, who presented the prizes, Mrs. W. K. Price, Mrs. Guest, The Rev. A. E. Duckett, Coun. A. Richards (Governors), and Mr. R. W. Hamilton (Headmaster).
Mr. Hamilton said it had been impossible to hold the speech day, and he expressed his regret that owing to lack of accommodation he had been unable to invite parents to the prize distribution.
Mrs. Flavell distributed the prizes, and she was presented with a bouquet by Beryl Townsend, the head girl. The chairman expressed regret that it had not been possible to hold the speech day owing to the war, and said the Governors had to consider not only the possibility of an air raid while the function was in progress, with the lives of 600 or 700 persons at stake, but the difficulty of parents and friends coming from all parts of the district and having to return home in the black-out, with its risks. That prize distribution was the next best thing to speech day.
The school, he said, had suffered not only from the war but from the weather. The headmaster and staff, with the co-operation of the Governors, had done what they thought was best in the interests of the school under war conditions. They closed the school until the West Riding County Council had made provision by way of trenches for the safety of the students and staff in air raids. After further consultations they decided as a temporary measure, to use the cellars as shelters, and then requested the higher forms - students who would be expected to prepare themselves for examination for the School Certificate - to attend school. This was carried on with success, but when the shelters were nearing completion the Governors requested the whole of the students to attend school. Now they were in their normal stride with the exception of illness. The headmaster had had a rough time owing to illness of staff, one member of whom, or more, had been off duty throughout the winter. Notwithstanding this setback there would, he was sure, be a determination to recover the lost ground.
Coun. Flavell urged the students to take advantage of the facilities which the school had provided for them outside the ordinary lessons. The outstanding of these, apart from sports, were music and debating. He appealed to children to become members of the school orchestra, which would help to raise the status of the school, and of the debating society, which, he said, would be of inestimable value in assisting them to take their part in the world's work. Who knew, he asked, but that he was speaking to some future Prime Minister or member of the Cabinet, MP or councillors? The society would help them, whatever position they were called upon to fill, to take their corner in any company and be a credit to the school.
The Chairman referred to applications by parents for children to leave the school before they were 16 years of age, and strongly discouraged them. The Governors, he said, were anxious for the future of every student. There had been several applications to leave before they had reached 16, despite the fact that every parent or guardian had signed an agreement for the child to remain at school until that age. Included in the agreement was a penalty clause that parents must pay nine guineas if they withdraw children before 16. Owing to so many parents withdrawing children, the Governors had felt compelled to write to various companies and trade unions asking them to co-operate with them by not employing students in the midst of their education. Many pupils, after completing their school life, had found themselves without jobs, which had been filled by children with fewer educational attainments, and he appealed to employers to get in touch with the headmaster, who could fix them up with students able to fill posts.
Much had been written and said about national fitness during the last twelve months, concluded the Chairman. We ought not to have to wait for war before the nation considered national fitness. Every child should be given the means of keeping physically and mentally fit. Education was continually helping to form public opinion and character. Education without a good character was a complete failure in the long run. If we could, as a nation, attain the combination of a good education and good character, we would not only reform, but transform the world. The person who was able to combat evil forces was the one with a good background, namely a good character. Scorn thrown to, or thrown at the person with a good background was like water running off a duck's back.
The Rev. A. E. Duckett moved a vote of thanks to the Chairman and Mrs. Flavell, and paid a tribute to the devotion to the school shown by Coun. Flavell. He added that the children were not at school primarily to get through examinations, although they were important, nor to get honours on the sports field, which were not to be despised, but to be taught how to think deeply. Mrs. Guest seconded.
In addition to Higher School Certificates, School Certificates, and Royal Society of Arts Shorthand Certificates, the following special prizes were presented:
G. H. Jowett (A.G. Jenkinson Memorial Latin Prize and prize for reading),
Elsie Smith (M.A. Griffiths Memorial French Prize),
J. E. Walker and Margaret E. Bevan (Latin),
Eunice D. Senior and Celia A. Wiggins (Domestic Science), Ethel Hodgson, Christine Batty, Doreen Lawton, N. Barnsley, K. Hardy, I. Stocks, P. Idle (reading),
A. G. Wilson (general information),
R. Benford, Betty Gill, A. O'Hara, R. Jowitt, K. Metcalfe, J. W. Thompson, A. Chapman, M. Nicholson, H. Garbett, H. Parker, I. Ventom, G. Wilson (Form prizes),
I. Weaver (Star Prize ), B. Fletcher and N. Jacques (general progress),
Joan Milner (Kubo Art Medal).
The following "House" trophies were presented:
Sports, House Challenge and Rugby Cups, B. Eyre and McAllister (Price House),
Arts, Hockey and Swimming Cups, Beryl Townsend and Mellor (Talbot House).
1941
Newspaper Article November 25th. 1941
The twentieth annual speech day of Hemsworth Grammar School was held at Hemsworth Hippodrome on Wednesday afternoon. County Coun. A. Flavell J.P. (Chairman of the Governors ), presided, supported by Air Commodore J.A. Chamier, Commandant of the Air Training Corps, who presented prizes and certificates numbering about 190, Mr. R. W. Hamilton (Headmaster), and Governors.
The Chairman said the school was opened in 1921, and had made good progress. They had a staff second to none in the West Riding, and whilst several members were in the forces, others, including the Headmaster were devoting much of their time to the local squadron of the Air Training Corps. Since the opening of the school, 458 students had passed the School Certificate examination, 187 had matriculated, 140 had gone forward to training colleges, and 75 had entered Universities - a large proportion having obtained honours degrees.
Headmaster's Report
The School's contribution to the war effort figured largely in the Headmaster's annual report. He made special reference to the Hemsworth & District Squadron of the Air Training Corps, in the formation of which, he said, the school took the initiative. Mr. Hamilton said that in many Secondary Schools A.T.C. units were for members only. There were arguments for the course, but he believed that in a struggle such as we were engaged in, unity between all sections of the people, and more especially our youth, was essential if we were to win the war. In this area, at any rate, membership was open to all boys, no matter what schools they had attended, and he had no regrets for the step. From the beginning every male member of the staff volunteered to lend a hand. Though not all were called upon, most of the officers were members of the staff, and all of them willingly devoted their time to the welfare of the Squadron.
Mr. Hamilton said the school had been doing its bit for the national cause. During the last year it raised £350 from weekly collections by the children, and in war weapons week saved £2,325/19s/6d. During the summer campaign it raised £96. The number of members last year was 162. The present number was 180.
In addition the school contributed to a comforts fund. Last year it raised £69/7s/3d., which included a gift of £5 from the Old Hilmians. Useful articles of all kinds had been made and sent to hospitals. Over 200 gifts in the form of gloves and scarves had been sent to old students in the Forces. Parcels of knitted comforts have also been sent to the Merchant Navy. When Liverpool and Glasgow suffered from air raids over a hundred babies' garments were knitted and despatched to those places. Articles of clothing of all kinds, over 2,000 in all, had been collected and sent to blitzed areas. Throughout the year the school had also sent sums of money to various charities, both national and local, the total contribution being £45. Some old pupils were prisoners of war. The present pupils subscribed to a "Prisoners of War Fund", and sent approximately 10 shillings every week to the Red Cross to provide a parcel for one or other of them. The school had done a little in the "Grow More Food" campaign, having ploughed up an acre of the playing field and set potatoes, cabbages and cauliflowers. More than 234 Old Hilmians were serving with the Forces.
Their war effort had still one more phase. The school offered its engineering facilities to the Government in June 1940, and three weeks later began training men and women to work in munition factories. Day and night shifts were worked, and two qualified instructors, directed by Mr. Waters, the Engineering Master, were responsible for the training. Their product was so good that an aeroplane factory had offered to take all their trainees as fast as they could turn them out.
"This working at double pressure", he remarked, "has been accomplished only by much sacrifice on the part of the staff, nearly every member of which has at least one extra job of national importance. I would not say that we like it, but we realise that Hitler must be beaten, and so far, our share has been to double up our hours of work."
The Headmaster said that on October 1st. there were 453 pupils at the school, compared with 429 a year before.
The examination results of last July were well above the average for the whole country. Successes included a County Major Scholarship, two Junior Technological Scholarships, a Junior Art Scholarship, and a County Women's Scholarship for Physical Training. Three State Bursaries in Science had been awarded.
After presenting the prizes, Air Commodore Chamier related some exciting experiences of the last war, when he was a member of the Air Force, and stressed the importance of the training they received at school. "Anything you learn in school, and anything that may happen to you after school, may have a tremendous effect on your lives, if you only seize the opportunities as they occur", he said.
A book was presented to Air Commodore Chamier.
The students of Holgate House presented a special cup to Annie Brammer for having accomplished the unique feat of winning the Junior Victrix Ludorum three years in succession.
A musical programme was given by the scholars.
1942
Newspaper Article November 21st. 1942
Twenty First Speech Day Of Hemsworth Grammar School
The 21st annual speech day of Hemsworth Grammar School was held at Hemsworth Hippodrome on Wednesday, and it was fitting that the school's first headmaster, Mr. A. G. Jenkinson, who retired five years ago and is now living at Oxford, should have the honour of distributing the prizes. A large attendance of past and present pupils and parents gave him a great welcome. Ald. A. Flavell J.P., Chairman of the Governors, presided, supported by Mr. R. W. Hamilton (Headmaster), Mr. Jenkinson, and other Governors.
The Chairman recalled that this school was opened 21 years ago that day - November 18th. 1921, and said much of the credit for its foundation went to the late Ald. G. Price. The work of Mr. Jenkinson had stood the test of time and his influence had never left the school. The school started with 96 pupils, drawn from 15 parishes, and today there were almost 500. The people were justly proud of the school's progress. Many students had passed through the colleges and universities and were occupying important positions.
The Chairman said he had sympathy with elementary school teachers who had an impossible task in dealing with classes of from 40 to 50 children. No class should have more than 25 or 30 pupils. If this were achieved the children would have a better education and be more fitted to enter the grammar and technical schools. He was looking forward to the time when grammar schools would be free to all children with ability, and they would be able to pass on to college or university with financial assistance. On completing their education, students should be able to begin their career free from financial commitments. They would then be in a position to more than repay the country for their education by the service they were capable of rendering. Reform was overdue, and the war had taught the nation a lesson, that the present system of education was out of date. The demand for technical knowledge was greater than the supply.
Headmaster's Report
The Headmaster stressed in his report the importance of pupils concentrating on school work rather than youth movement activities. In a word of caution to parents, he said he rejoiced when pupils found time to take part in outside organisations, for it was good to know that they were playing a part in the social life of young people. He stressed, however, that success in their school was of the first importance both to their country and to themselves. A pupil who got his school certificate or higher school certificate was a better asset to the nation than one who gave up a lot of time to youth activities and failed to pass his examinations. If the pupils could do both, and many of them did, all honour to them; they were giving that extra effort demanded of all who were capable of it in order to defend our way of life. But there were some who could not afford to sacrifice the time from their studies. Such pupils were told by him they needed to restrict their out-of-school activities, and he wanted both them and their parents to take consolation from the fact that in concentrating on their school work they were doing a job of national importance.
It might not be as spectacular or satisfying as wearing the uniform of one of the pre-Service units, but the nation needed trained brains as well as trained brawn, and all the Services regarded the School Certificate and Higher School Certificate as standards of attainment eminently desirable in their recruits. Hence his advice to pupils: "If you can manage it, without detriment to your studies, you ought to help your country by joining a pre-Service unit, but success in your school career comes before everything, both for your own good and that of your country." In the school, pupils had all the training and all those interests available which the youth movement sought to promote among children who had been denied a secondary education. If the school leaving age were raised to 16 and secondary education made available to all, he dared to prophesy that the problems of Youth Councils everywhere would be solved. Pupils in secondary schools needed no outside organisations to cater for their leisure hours. Homework, school activities and their own interests roused by the stimulus of school life were quite sufficient for them.
Paying a tribute to Mr. Jenkinson, Mr. Hamilton said he laid the foundations of a school of which he could be proud. Not many men were fortunate enough to have the honour of starting a school. It was a high honour, but it was also a grave responsibility. The Governors of those days, some of whom were still with them, did an excellent job when they appointed him. Mr. Hamilton also congratulated the Chairman on his appointment as a County Alderman and said the school owed him much for the work he had put in on its behalf.
Mr. Hamilton reported that in the school were 249 girls and 243 boys, the total of 492 - an increase on the year before. This had meant an increase in the staff which now numbered 24 - 12 mistresses and 12 masters. The examination results continued at a high level. Seven candidates took the higher school certificate and five passed, while 43 of the 47 who sat for the school certificate were successful. During the year first aid was added to the curriculum, pupils from Forms V and VI voluntarily undertaking this course. Every one of them obtained the certificate. The school continued to support efforts directly connected with the war. It raised £28 for its comforts fund, and he appealed for the name and home address of any Old Hilmian in the Forces. For national savings the school raised £513/2s/6d., and in addition contributed over £150 to national charities and sent clothing for the use of blitzed families. They had their own war-time garden and salvage campaign. The idea of service was ever before the eyes of the pupils.
Addressing himself to parents of future pupils, the headmaster said that last July he had to disappoint several parents who wanted to send their children to the school. The children were too old. The right age for entry into a grammar school was between 10 and 11. It was difficult for older children to get into the routine of things.
He mentioned that he had the names of 300 Old Hilmians serving with the Forces, of whom nine had given their lives. He concluded by declaring that it was an honour to be the Headmaster of the school, which was a potent force in education.
Mr. Jenkinson, after presenting the prizes, spoke in reminiscent vein of the early days of the school, and the difficulties caused by inadequate accommodation. During the last few years the school had had rather a troubled existence and had had to face difficulties which had proved a good test of its soundness and stability. A heavy burden of responsibility had fallen on his successor and he congratulated him on the energy and resourcefulness with which he tackled his task. It was no small thing for a young man in his first headship to be called upon to grapple with the various problems and increased activities which the advent of war had introduced. Mr. Hamilton had proved himself equal to the task, and he wished him continued success.
"That day was a great day", said Mr. Jenkinson, not only for himself but for the boys and girls, who might well be proud of being members of the school. The years he spent as headmaster brought him much happiness and many friends. Early memories served to throw into bold relief the school as it was today, with its fine equipment and many activities, full complement of staff, and proud record of honours and success gained by pupils in the universities and elsewhere. These were stern and difficult times and he reminded the children that efficiency and tolerance were of particular importance.
Mr. Jenkinson was presented with a book by Marjorie Duckworth, Head Girl. A vote of thanks to Mr. Jenkinson was moved by Mrs. Guest, seconded by County Councillor J. Potts J.P. (Governors), and supported by Mr. P.C. Crossland (Senior Master).
The ceremony was followed by a musical programme by the scholars under the direction of Miss F. W. Townsend, the accompanist being Mr. J. D. Hamilton and J. Maw.
1944
Newspaper Article November 18th. 1944
The 23rd. annual "Speech Day" of Hemsworth Grammar School was held at Hemsworth Hippodrome on Wednesday, when the prizes and certificates were presented by Miss Catherine Fletcher, Principal of Bingley Training College. Ald. A. Flavell, J.P., Chairman of the Governors, presided.
The Chairman said the new Education Act had the seeds of a brighter and better world for all children. One good part was that from next April all fees for children attending grammar, secondary and technical schools would be abolished. The Act would create 70,000 additional teaching posts, and with this and the extension of many services throughout the nation there would be glorious opportunities for children to rise to positions of leadership. The West Riding County Council intended to build 55 new modern schools and reconstruct 42, build 4 new grammar schools and reconstruct 16, and build the first multilateral school in the county, which would be situated at Tadcaster.
The Chairman said that old students in the Forces numbered 35 girls and 352 boys. Twenty-one had lost their lives, six since last Speech Day, and eight were prisoners of war. The audience stood in silence in sympathy with the relatives of the fallen.
Headmaster's Report
The Headmaster (Mr. R. W. Hamilton) devoted a good deal of his annual report to the importance of the School Certificate examination and criticised its proposed abolition. Remarking that the suggestion that the examination should be abolished would no doubt be popular with some pupils, he added that unfortunately for them the abolition was not to take place for at least seven years. "The School Certificate is not a perfect examination" he continued, "but it does one thing. It gives us a fair standard for comparing the abilities of our children. No matter what social prestige may accrue by attending a particular school, under our present system boys and girls all over Britain, rich or poor, in cities or villages, take a similar test and are graded according to their ability to pass that test. This is a great thing and should not be lightly cast aside. "The present suggestion is that seven years from now the School Certificate should be abolished and that each school should set its own examinations. If this should come to pass, no longer will the pupils from the country village be able to claim equality with or superiority over the pupils from homes of wealth, for the pupil with wealthy parents is rarely to be found in the local grammar school. He is nearly always found in the school where wealth buys an education. The schools for the sons and daughters of wealthy parents have acquired a social prestige in the past, sometimes out of all proportion to the education provided. The names of some of these schools are known to nearly everybody in the country. Attendance at one of them gives added prestige to the pupils who attend them: whether rightly or wrongly is not at the moment the question at issue. The point is that through their superior social status, a leaving certificate from one of these schools will tend to have far more significance than one given by a local grammar school. Yet it is quite possible that the latter certificate is far more valuable. The trouble is that the world at large will not know it and will have no means of getting to know. Surely it is better to have one common measuring rod? Let all pupils, rich and poor, take the same or similar examination. There is much greater chance of justice for all in such circumstances. I know many of the arguments in favour of abolishing the School Certificate. With some of them I agree, but unless there are safeguards with which I am not familiar, it all boils down to the fact that wealth will eventually once again have precedence over brains. This we should not allow. If we want equality of opportunity, if we wish to see that no child is handicapped because his parents happen to be poor, we shall do all we can to prevent the abolition of the School Certificate. This does not mean the School Certificate is perfect. It needs alteration in a good many ways, but with all its faults and weaknesses it is better than no common measuring rod at all. It does, even in its present imperfect form, assure a modicum of justice to ability."
Mr. Hamilton stated that there were 591 pupils at the school compared with 513 a year ago. Two of the three rooms at Hemsworth Technical School were being used during the day time. After a year of staff changes, last year was very quiet until June, when a real "blitz" started. By the end of July five teachers had left, and only two had been appointed in their places.
Six of the eight candidates for the Higher School Certificate were successful. Of 67 candidates for the School Certificate, 59 passed. Two State Bursaries in Science and a Junior Technological Scholarship had been won. He believed that education was much more than merely training children to pass examinations, and the staff prided themselves on the pre-eminence they gave to cultural activities. The spirit of service to the school was a feature of their life, and permeated everywhere.
After paying tribute to his staff and to the Governors, whose service he described as of inestimable value, Mr. Hamilton concluded, "Great changes are close at hand. For 23 years Hemsworth Grammar School has given yeoman service in the education of the children in the district. Last year we maintained our standard. The forthcoming year is big with possibilities. Educationally, dangerous and exciting days lie ahead. Amidst it all, our chief concern must be to see that our children's education does not suffer. So far as my staff and I are concerned, I can promise we shall continue faithfully to put the interests of our children before everything.
Presenting the awards, Miss Fletcher told the pupils that they needed three things if they were to have character and serve the world - co-operation, efficiency and integrity. People who did not possess the capacity to work with their fellows, do a job well, and be true to themselves could not help the world to be better. A good many problems would be solved if people pulled together and did well what they undertook, while those who took responsibility must ring true. They must be straightforward and honest with themselves. One of the greatest difficulties of some grown-up people was that they were afraid to be true to themselves; they got into such a lot of difficulties that they did not know how to get out of them.
Miss Fletcher was thanked by Mrs. E. L. Dooley, J.P., and County Coun. J. Potts, J.P.
The presentation was followed by a musical programme by the scholars, under the direction of Miss E. W. Townsend.
1945
Hemsworth Speech Day Announcement.
GRAMMAR SCHOOL TO HAVE WAR MEMORIAL
Nineteen former students of Hemsworth Grammar School lost their lives on active service in the war, and a silent tribute was paid to them at the 24th annual speech day at Hemsworth Hippodrome on Wednesday. The Headmaster (Mr. R. W. Hamilton) announced that a memorial was to be installed at the school, not only to those who had been killed but to all who had served in the war. He asked parents and friends to let him have the names, addresses, and regiments of old students who had served in the Forces. Ald. A. Flavell, J.P., Chairman of the Governors, presided.
Savings Achievements
The Chairman congratulated the students and staff on their splendid achievement in raising over £2,000 in Thanksgiving Week, and said the school had played a great part in the war, in which it had been greatly affected. There had been many staff changes, and thanks were due to the Headmaster and the teachers for making the apparently impossible possible by their concentrated efforts. The school had done much to raise the cultural life of the surrounding districts, and its influence must have been felt in this and other countries in which students had dwelled. They could be proud that other students were holding posts of trust and responsibility in many parts of the world.
During the last 25 years, concluded the Chairman, the gap between the public school and grammar school had been considerably narrowed. Many of the important posts in professions and industry, which were formerly held by former public school boys were now held with distinction by former students of grammar and technical schools. Many of these people were from working class families, and educationalists must see that this progressive educational clock was not put back. There would be keen competition for the world's markets in the near future, and it was up to the people to see that as far as education was concerned they would not be behind in the race. The Government and educational authorities should give further encouragement and assistance to the universities, the accommodation of which must be increased so that they could receive more students. Provision must be made for more university trained personnel if England were to be successful in the world of the future.
Record Roll
The headmaster stated in his annual report that 93 pupils left during the year and 127 were admitted in September, making a new record total of 624. The school could have had another 100 but had no room for them. Five members of the staff left at the end of the school year, and Mr. W. L. Austin, the senior mathematics master, who decided to retire, had volunteered to stay on until a successor was appointed. Mr. Austin had given loyal service to the school in the 21 years he had been on the staff and was known, respected, and almost loved by every pupil who had ever been there. New members of the staff were Misses Shaw, Whitworth, Thompson, Stott, Mrs. Leigh and Mr. Foy.
Mr. Hamilton said that considering the unsettled conditions of the last few years, the examination results had been surprisingly good. Ten candidates passed the Higher School Certificate and 53 the School Certificate. 5 boys had won valuable scholarships. J. D. Storer and P. North won State Science bursaries, J. Bailey, a Senior Technological Scholarship, B. Cooke, a County Art Scholarship, and D. Ineson a County Music Scholarship.
Though the classroom work had gone on magnificently, activities in the other direction had suffered a slight curtailment. One or two societies had fallen away, but on the whole they had maintained a high standard of cultural activities.
The headmaster thanked the staff, particularly mentioning Miss Shortridge (Senior Mistress) and Mr. Crossland (Senior Master). The interpretation of the new Education Act was making their work more difficult, and if only they could believe that the new regulations would benefit the pupils they would be much happier. He also paid a tribute to the Chairman for his help during the past twelve months, in which there had been no meetings of the Governors.
"At the end of my last report," he concluded, "I expressed the wish that this year I would have good progress to report, despite the difficulties and handicaps we then saw ahead of us. I hope you are convinced that we are rising to the challenge, and that at Hemsworth you have a school as good as any grammar school in the country."
The prizes were presented by Mrs. Swift, wife of Professor H. Swift of the Department of Engineering, Sheffield University.
Purpose of Education
Professor Swift told the pupils that the main purpose of education was not to win prizes or pass examinations, but to prepare them to take a place in the world in the future. It was not only to prepare them for a particular job. It was true that the man who was master of his craft or profession had the satisfaction than one unsuited to it, but if each one of them was efficient at his job and nothing else it would be an unsociable and uninspiring world. In order that they might get the best out of life other things were necessary. They should realise not one of them was self-sufficient. They depended more on the work of other people than on their own work. They depended on other people not only for the necessities of life, but for their means of enjoyment. That enjoyment would be greater and their lives enriched if they learned to take pleasure in good and beautiful work, which had been done by themselves, not other people.
If he were asked what were the advantages of a grammar school education, said Professor Swift, he would point to four.
In the first place it was essential for those who were going in for what was called the better careers or going for a career at all. Even for ordinary industrial kinds of occupations which at one time were looked upon as manual labour are regarded today more as a matter of technical knowledge.
The second point was that it made them adaptable and therefore less sensitive to the inevitable changes which were going to take place in their lifetime, which gave them a feeling of security, independence and self-respect.
The third point was that it gave them an increased power to enjoy the amenities of life which cost little but were worth so much, such as books, music, pictures and the theatre.
Finally, it enabled them to be able to see the point of view of other people, which widened their sympathies and gave them a sense of mutual help and esteem.
Professor Swift said examinations were useful for three reasons.
For some purposes it was necessary to have some definite proof of their knowledge and attainments that could be accepted all over the country, and nobody had yet devised another scheme.
The second point was that young people could not be expected to work continuously through their school days in the pious hope that they might be able to reap something in 20 years' time. They wanted something on a shorter basis, and they had a natural competitive spirit. The examination took advantage of the competitive spirit and provided a continuous stimulus to effort.
The third point was that examinations enabled them to show their ability to rise to an occasion.
There were other qualities and virtues which examinations did not show - courage, loyalty, helpfulness, sense of humour, and ability to work together in a team. Those qualities were so important that it was becoming the custom of prospective employers not only to take reasonable account of examination results but to rely on the reports given by the headmaster.
Professor Swift concluded by saying he was impressed with the number of pupils at Hemsworth who stayed on to take the Higher School Certificate. The two years spent in the sixth form were the most important, for the students developed a sense of responsibility, personality and powers of leadership which were necessary in industry, commerce or the professions.
Professor and Mrs. Swift were thanked by the Rev. A. E. Duckett and Mrs. Guest.
A musical programme was given by the boys and girls choirs, under the direction of Miss J. Carter, with Joan Maw and D. Hardy as accompanist.
Awards
Awards were:
Higher School Certificate - R. F. Callaghan, Frances Hemingway (A.G.Jenkinson prize for Latin), Cynthia M. Hemingway (prize for head girl), A.A. Jagger, Jean E. M. Maw (M. A. Griffiths prize for French), Iris Ventom, J. I. Bailey (prize for Senior Technological Scholarship), R. P. Brookes, P. North
(State Bursary in Science), County Major Scholarship, distinction in Chemisty), J. D. Storer (State Bursary in Science, County Major Scholarship).
Higher School Part Certificate - D. Ineson (Music Scholarship), Nellie E. Smart, Leslie M. Tate (Prize for Head Boy), Dorothy A. Wass, A. Atkinson, R. L. Batty, Barry Cooke (West Riding Scholarship in Art, Senior Prize for Reading), D. H. Fox, J. C. P. Hale, Joyce A. Burton, Brenda M. Kirkham, Marion O. Lakin, S. Clarke (Senior Boys Medal for P.T.), F. Noble, K. Robinson, G. Rogers, Mary B. Griffiths, Betty Hill, Dorothy Marks, Olive Mellor, Brenda Swinbank (Senior Girls Medal for P.T.), Viva Wyatt, B. Clatworthy, A. Harrison, Louise Bowden-Hunter, Jean Goodall, Madge Green, Mary Halsall, Gwendoline Haywood, Shirley Price, Patricia Rowley, Phyllis M. Wilson, Jean Axe (Distinction in Biology), F. Buckley (Distinction in Geography).
School Certificates - M. Craven, G. Davies, A. G. Downes (Distinction in History), Ivy Foster (R.S.A., Shorthand Certificate 60 w.p.m., and First Aid Certificate), Doris M. Gaskell (Distinction in History, French, Domestic Science, Biology and Commercial Subjects, R.S.A. Shorthand Certificate 80 w.p.m), Lilias Hall (Distinction in History, French, Domestic Science, Guest Prize for Domestic Science), A. Hall, Buddug Hughes (First Aid Certificate), C. Kaye (Distinction in History), Dorothy Kirk, Betty Laughton, Iris Reynolds (Distinction in English Language), Rosina Richardson, Betty Winham ( Distinction in French and Biology), Valerie Woodall (Distinction in English Language), P. Trueman ( Kubo Medal), W. Bates (First Aid Certificate), D. Birkin (R.S.A. Shorthand Certificate 60 w.p.m., First Aid Certificate), J. Butt (Distinction in History, French, Geography, Latin), Muriel Common (R.S.A. Shorthand Certificate 60 w.p.m.), Irene Croft, Sybil Eyre, Bessie Findler (Distinction in French), Winifred Griffiths (Distinction in French), Edwina P. Hipkins (Distinction in Domestic Science, R.S.A. Shorthand Certificate 60 w.p.m.), A. Hudson (First Aid Certificate), Miriam Jefferson, D. V. Miles 9 Distinction in History, French, Latin, Col Hallam's Prize for Latin, First Aid Certificate), June M. Nash (Distinction in History, French, Latin), Leonard Parkin (Distinction in English Literature and French, First Aid Certificate), Joan Pinkney (Distinction in History), Sylvia Powell, Pauline Riggott (Distinction in History, French, Biology), Ivy Simpson, Marian Trickett (Distinction in Biology, R.S.A. Shorthand Certificate 60 w.p.m.), Margaret Wilcock (Distinction in French), Jean Allen ( Distinction in French, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Domestic Science), Keith Ardron (Distinction in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Mechanical Science), Veronica Bate (First Aid Certificate), Muriel Farmery, G. Goodall (Distinction in History, First Aid Cerificate), Betty Johnson
(Distinction in Domestic Science, First Aid Certificate), J. Linstead, Margaret Medforth (Distinction in Mathematics, Chemistry, Domestic Science, First Aid Certificate, Guest prize for Cookery), N. Morris
(Distinction in English Literature, History, Chemistry, First Aid Certificate), G. H. Pacy, Betty Robinson
(Distinction in Mathematics, First Aid Certificate), Georgina Smart (First Aid Certificate), H. Ventom
(Distinction in Mechanical Science), P. Waller (Distinction in Mathematics and Chemistry).
Form Prizes - 1a, Winifred Fisher; 1b, Sam Brian Hughes; 1c, Maurice Bird; 2a, S. Boulton; 2b, J. W. Wilkinson; 2c, Cynthia Stanney; 2d, R. Barrett; 3a, A. Womersley; 3b, Brian Beaumont; 3c, B. Kaye; 3d, D. Thompson; 4a, Laura Eyre; 4b, Elizabeth Storer; 4c, D. Anderson ( Star Prize) 5a, Doris M. Gaskell; 5b, J. Butt; 5c, Jean Allen;
Other Awards - Jack McGillivray (General Progress Prize), Thelma Robinson (Junior Prize for Reading), Clarissa Bray (First Aid Certificate), Brenda Fletcher (First Aid Certificate), Clara Chambers
(R. S. A. Shorthand Certificate 50 w.p.m.), Eileen Race (R.S.A. Shorthand Certificate 50 w.p.m.),
B. Blakemore (Senior Boys Medal for P.T.), Derek Wilkinson (Junior Boys Medal for P.T.), Amy Hepton
(Junior Girls Medal for P.T.).