Reports from the Headmaster, Mr A.G. Jenkinson
Years 1926-1929
This section from Sheila identifies some of the early issues in the development of Hemsworth Secondary School.
An historical insight (2)
Years 1926-1929
This section from Sheila identifies some of the early issues in the development of Hemsworth Secondary School.
An historical insight (2)
1926
The Headmaster's Report
The Headmaster's Report
The Headmaster, in his annual report, said that during the past year, in numbers, in efficiency, in attainments, in development, and in the many kinds of school pursuits, there had been a greater advance than in any year since the school opened in November, 1921. There were now 287 pupils (145 boys and 142 girls) as compared with 225 last year. Two forms had been added, one a commercial class for those in the last year who were not intending to take the school certificate. Botany had been introduced for girls, as an alternative to Chemistry. Needlework was taught to all forms except VI, and Domestic Science to Forms IVc, IIIa and b, IIa, IIb, IIc, the work (cooking, laundry work and hygiene) covering a two years course. The Commercial Course included Shorthand, Typewriting, Commercial Arithmetic, Commercial Geography, Civics, History, English, Art, French, Science, Woodwork, Needlework and Domestic Science. It was hoped that a course of this kind would, to some extent, meet the needs of those who were to leave school at 16. All those who possibly could aim at obtaining the School Certificate should do so because it was accepted now as a necessary qualification for entry to many professions. It was intended to represent the standard which any normal boy or girl might be expected to reach at the age of 16 or 17, without undue specialisation.
At the last examination a normal form of 26 pupils entered and 25 obtained certificates. He acknowledged the industry and keen interest which every teacher had brought to bear upon the work of this examination, and congratulated them on the very pleasing results. What was particularly satisfactory was that 12 candidates reached matriculation standard and three obtained distinctions. The rest of the school had the usual annual examinations in July. The reports of these examinations were generally satisfactory. Work in school was still hampered by insufficient classroom accommodation. The new science block was opened at the beginning of the previous term, and the rooms were in constant use, but seeing that the school, when completed, was intended to accommodate 300, and that there were now 287 pupils, it would be understood that conditions were difficult. The Gymnasium Hall was expected to be ready in January and would be a very welcome addition. It would provide a covered place for physical training, and as a hall for assembly it would meet "a long-felt want."
At the last examination a normal form of 26 pupils entered and 25 obtained certificates. He acknowledged the industry and keen interest which every teacher had brought to bear upon the work of this examination, and congratulated them on the very pleasing results. What was particularly satisfactory was that 12 candidates reached matriculation standard and three obtained distinctions. The rest of the school had the usual annual examinations in July. The reports of these examinations were generally satisfactory. Work in school was still hampered by insufficient classroom accommodation. The new science block was opened at the beginning of the previous term, and the rooms were in constant use, but seeing that the school, when completed, was intended to accommodate 300, and that there were now 287 pupils, it would be understood that conditions were difficult. The Gymnasium Hall was expected to be ready in January and would be a very welcome addition. It would provide a covered place for physical training, and as a hall for assembly it would meet "a long-felt want."
The Assembly Hall/Gymnasium of 1926
In games and other recreations a good record had been maintained. The Rugby team played 12 matches, of which four were won, one drawn, and seven lost, 171 points against 195, but they were playing the first teams of other schools for the first time. The girls played only three matches (hockey/tennis?) owing to bad weather and won one and lost two. The boys played 14 cricket matches, of which they won nine and lost five.
The headmaster concluded by paying a tribute to the staff for their loyalty and efficiency, and to the Governors for their sympathy and co-operation.
Sheila
The headmaster concluded by paying a tribute to the staff for their loyalty and efficiency, and to the Governors for their sympathy and co-operation.
Sheila
1927
The Headmaster's Report
The Headmaster's Report
In his annual report, Mr. A.G. Jenkinson reiterated the urgent requirement of the school for further classroom accommodation. The new Hall was being used for ordinary classwork as well as physical exercise, but there were still five forms without proper classroom accommodation. A new dining room was also badly needed, and the kitchen accommodation was quite inadequate to deal with the 200 diners which were now being served daily. An inspection of the school had taken place during the previous term, and the Board of Education inspectors expressed themselves satisfied, saying, "The appearance and manners of both boys and girls are excellent, and the tone and discipline of the school are good. The school has clearly made a good start, and a firm foundation for future good work has been laid." Two additional forms had been added to the school, and Form I had been merged into IId. Next July two forms, Va and Vb, would be taking the School Certificate Examination, and the curriculum of the school had also been extended in several directions.
School Certificate Examinations
The results in the School Certificate exams last July were disappointing, and fell considerably short of those for the previous year; but in the Higher Certificate, which was taken for the first time, the results were good. Of seven candidates, five passed, and one, who obtained a distinction in History, was awarded a County Major scholarship. In the School Certificate, 16 candidates passed and seven matriculated.
The Value of Homework
The training of pupils in independent and individual thought was valuable, and facilitated by unsupervised work at home. Conditions in homes varied greatly, but in response to requests, he had arranged for every parent to have a copy of the homework timetable, so that they might do their share by seeing that the proper work was done.
School Activities
During the year, the school had taken part in the usual reading competition, at which the rector of Hemsworth (Canon Williams) adjudicated, and had showed intelligence and care. The school had a good library, containing some 450 books, but suffered from the lack of a proper reading room; this was, however, part of the new buildings scheme, and in his opinion as serious a need as that for classrooms and dining room. There was also during the year an inter-house musical competition, including classes for piano, violin, solo singing and choral singing. Miss Purdon adjudicated, and considerable enthusiasm was shown. The school choir had competed as usual at Pontefract, and had been awarded 176 marks, with a first class certificate; and for sight reading 78 marks out of 100. The school had taken part in the Folk Dancing Festival at Pontefract, and won two first-class and seven second-class certificates, as well as the banner put up for competition among secondary schools. An art club had been formed by Mr. Taylor, and had a fairly large membership. In games, too, the school had done well, though there was great need for tennis courts for the girls. The successful organisation of games in the school was due largely to the care and energy of members of the staff and to the school captains. Sports were held as usual on parents' day, and were a great success. A course of public lectures had been launched, and were proving an appreciated feature. It was hoped to produce the first school play in the hall at the end of the term.
The Staff and Prefects
The ready co-operation and interest of his colleagues was much appreciated by Mr. Jenkinson. During the year, the staff had been augmented by three more teachers for Latin, Mathematics and Physics, and by an English and French mistress. A full time teacher had been engaged to take charge of the Domestic Science Department, which had meant the departure of a part-time teacher, Miss Morrison, whom they were all sorry to lose. He commended the work done by the School Prefects and particularly by the two heads of the school for the way in which they had lived up to the responsibilities of their position, and he emphasised the importance of the last two years of school life, between 16 and 18, in the formation of character and the training for a career. It was worth some sacrifice by the parents to ensure for their children this invaluable period of school life, and he was glad to believe that this obligation was in his school being satisfactorily discharged.
Sheila
School Certificate Examinations
The results in the School Certificate exams last July were disappointing, and fell considerably short of those for the previous year; but in the Higher Certificate, which was taken for the first time, the results were good. Of seven candidates, five passed, and one, who obtained a distinction in History, was awarded a County Major scholarship. In the School Certificate, 16 candidates passed and seven matriculated.
The Value of Homework
The training of pupils in independent and individual thought was valuable, and facilitated by unsupervised work at home. Conditions in homes varied greatly, but in response to requests, he had arranged for every parent to have a copy of the homework timetable, so that they might do their share by seeing that the proper work was done.
School Activities
During the year, the school had taken part in the usual reading competition, at which the rector of Hemsworth (Canon Williams) adjudicated, and had showed intelligence and care. The school had a good library, containing some 450 books, but suffered from the lack of a proper reading room; this was, however, part of the new buildings scheme, and in his opinion as serious a need as that for classrooms and dining room. There was also during the year an inter-house musical competition, including classes for piano, violin, solo singing and choral singing. Miss Purdon adjudicated, and considerable enthusiasm was shown. The school choir had competed as usual at Pontefract, and had been awarded 176 marks, with a first class certificate; and for sight reading 78 marks out of 100. The school had taken part in the Folk Dancing Festival at Pontefract, and won two first-class and seven second-class certificates, as well as the banner put up for competition among secondary schools. An art club had been formed by Mr. Taylor, and had a fairly large membership. In games, too, the school had done well, though there was great need for tennis courts for the girls. The successful organisation of games in the school was due largely to the care and energy of members of the staff and to the school captains. Sports were held as usual on parents' day, and were a great success. A course of public lectures had been launched, and were proving an appreciated feature. It was hoped to produce the first school play in the hall at the end of the term.
The Staff and Prefects
The ready co-operation and interest of his colleagues was much appreciated by Mr. Jenkinson. During the year, the staff had been augmented by three more teachers for Latin, Mathematics and Physics, and by an English and French mistress. A full time teacher had been engaged to take charge of the Domestic Science Department, which had meant the departure of a part-time teacher, Miss Morrison, whom they were all sorry to lose. He commended the work done by the School Prefects and particularly by the two heads of the school for the way in which they had lived up to the responsibilities of their position, and he emphasised the importance of the last two years of school life, between 16 and 18, in the formation of character and the training for a career. It was worth some sacrifice by the parents to ensure for their children this invaluable period of school life, and he was glad to believe that this obligation was in his school being satisfactorily discharged.
Sheila
1928
The Headmaster's Report
The Headmaster's Report
First Link with the Universities
Mr. Jenkinson stated that during the previous few years the school had forged links with the universities, and now had about a dozen former pupils at universities and training colleges. Such education need not cost parents anything, as the Board of Education and the County Council gave grants, and the remaining cost could be covered by loans which students could repay in five years. (This would appear as a familiar method of support to any present-day student.) Mr. Jenkinson quoted the headmaster of a City of London School:
"I never met a man who wished he had not been to a university; I have never met a man who left school half-educated and did not regret it."
He urged parents to be ready to make sacrifices which would be amply rewarded later. The year's pleasing examination results in the Higher School Certificate were that seven of fifteen candidates were awarded full certificates, and three others passed in all principal subjects. In the School Certificate exams, 40 out of 53 passed, and 15 matriculated, 13 with distinctions. There were only four failures in Mathematics, five in French and seven in History, and in History 32 candidates of 53 reached matriculation - a high percentage. These results compared favourably with those of any school in the West Riding. Commonly, French was the stumbling block of boys and Mathematics of girls, and if a school had sound teaching in those subjects there was little to complain about. From the commercial form 22 candidates were entered for the Royal Society of Arts' examination, 21 passing in bookkeeping, 28 in arithmetic, and eight of 13 in shorthand. Three former pupils at Leeds University were all scholarship holders: E. John Barker, County Major (History); Adelaide Branford, County Major (English); and Philip Bull, Holgate Scholarship (Mathematics).
Examinations
Mr. Jenkinson referred to Dr. Cyril Norwood's recent address to the British Association on examinations: "I am all in favour of Dr. Norwood's suggestion to abolish external examinations except for the purpose of University Scholarships and other such awards, and to rely more on a certificate from the Headmaster of the Secondary School. This ideal, which has been achieved to some extent in America, may be at present outside the range of practical accomplishment in this country, but of one thing I feel confident, and it is being more generally recognised every year: that if we must have examinations conducted by outside bodies, the examining bodies must conform more liberally to the requirements of the school. Schools must have freedom to expand in any direction that they feel to be necessary in the interests of their pupils, and must not be so tied as at present to tiresome restrictions."
The President of the Board of Education had recently pointed out that employers could help considerably by not insisting too rigidly on the possession of a School Certificate as the only test of ability and fitness, but by relying far more on the judgement of the headmaster or headmistress. Holders of a Certificate may not have the qualifications required in particular subjects, whereas those who have these qualifications may have nevertheless failed to gain a certificate owing to the regulations of the examining body.
The widening of the curriculum
Mr. Jenkinson described the attempts being made by the Governors and Director of Education to widen the curriculum by allowing three alternative courses in the third and fourth years, which could later be carried on to fifth and sixth years. Commercial courses were already under way, soon to be followed by an applied science course offering workshop practice experiences which would be valuable in a mining district such as Hemsworth. Hopes were high that the approved extensions to the school would be completed in the next twelve months.
Sports
Much gratitude was due to Miss Hanson, Miss Shortridge and the other mistresses for their efforts with the girls' sports. Mr. L. Collette had coached the boys for cricket and Mr. Scott, who was about to leave them, for rugby. Swimming had been taken up by a number of pupils, and Mr. Storer organised a swimming gala. They were grateful for financial assistance from the Education Authority concerning this.
The Arts
The Arts and Craft Exhibition of the previous summer had given particular pleasure to the Headmaster, and Parents' Day had been successful. Goldsmith's "She Stoops to Conquer" was shortly to be presented, and many successes in singing and dancing were achieved at the Pontefract Music Festival of 1928, much of which general progress was due to the fine efforts of his loyal and capable staff, the support of the Governors, and in particular, the chairman Ald. Price. Thanks were given to the parents, together with an appeal for them to take an added interest in the work of their children, and to report to him any irregularities or errors.
Careers
Mr. Jenkinson said he would welcome any help or advice concerning the careers of the scholars. He had a notice board in school on which he posted information relating to this, and people were invited to come and speak on the subject. He would like more parents to attend these talks, and discuss the matter generally with himself and the staff. He felt that the teaching profession was overcrowded, and other avenues must be found for young people. On the other hand, the real aim of education was the formation of the character, and he ended his report by quoting the late Lord Oxford's address to Aberdeen University:
"Keep always with you, whatever your course may be, the company of great thoughts, the inspiration of great ideals, the example of great achievements and the consolation of great failures. So equipped, you can face without perturbation the buffets of circumstance, the caprice of fortune and all the inscrutable vicissitudes of life."
Mr. Jenkinson stated that during the previous few years the school had forged links with the universities, and now had about a dozen former pupils at universities and training colleges. Such education need not cost parents anything, as the Board of Education and the County Council gave grants, and the remaining cost could be covered by loans which students could repay in five years. (This would appear as a familiar method of support to any present-day student.) Mr. Jenkinson quoted the headmaster of a City of London School:
"I never met a man who wished he had not been to a university; I have never met a man who left school half-educated and did not regret it."
He urged parents to be ready to make sacrifices which would be amply rewarded later. The year's pleasing examination results in the Higher School Certificate were that seven of fifteen candidates were awarded full certificates, and three others passed in all principal subjects. In the School Certificate exams, 40 out of 53 passed, and 15 matriculated, 13 with distinctions. There were only four failures in Mathematics, five in French and seven in History, and in History 32 candidates of 53 reached matriculation - a high percentage. These results compared favourably with those of any school in the West Riding. Commonly, French was the stumbling block of boys and Mathematics of girls, and if a school had sound teaching in those subjects there was little to complain about. From the commercial form 22 candidates were entered for the Royal Society of Arts' examination, 21 passing in bookkeeping, 28 in arithmetic, and eight of 13 in shorthand. Three former pupils at Leeds University were all scholarship holders: E. John Barker, County Major (History); Adelaide Branford, County Major (English); and Philip Bull, Holgate Scholarship (Mathematics).
Examinations
Mr. Jenkinson referred to Dr. Cyril Norwood's recent address to the British Association on examinations: "I am all in favour of Dr. Norwood's suggestion to abolish external examinations except for the purpose of University Scholarships and other such awards, and to rely more on a certificate from the Headmaster of the Secondary School. This ideal, which has been achieved to some extent in America, may be at present outside the range of practical accomplishment in this country, but of one thing I feel confident, and it is being more generally recognised every year: that if we must have examinations conducted by outside bodies, the examining bodies must conform more liberally to the requirements of the school. Schools must have freedom to expand in any direction that they feel to be necessary in the interests of their pupils, and must not be so tied as at present to tiresome restrictions."
The President of the Board of Education had recently pointed out that employers could help considerably by not insisting too rigidly on the possession of a School Certificate as the only test of ability and fitness, but by relying far more on the judgement of the headmaster or headmistress. Holders of a Certificate may not have the qualifications required in particular subjects, whereas those who have these qualifications may have nevertheless failed to gain a certificate owing to the regulations of the examining body.
The widening of the curriculum
Mr. Jenkinson described the attempts being made by the Governors and Director of Education to widen the curriculum by allowing three alternative courses in the third and fourth years, which could later be carried on to fifth and sixth years. Commercial courses were already under way, soon to be followed by an applied science course offering workshop practice experiences which would be valuable in a mining district such as Hemsworth. Hopes were high that the approved extensions to the school would be completed in the next twelve months.
Sports
Much gratitude was due to Miss Hanson, Miss Shortridge and the other mistresses for their efforts with the girls' sports. Mr. L. Collette had coached the boys for cricket and Mr. Scott, who was about to leave them, for rugby. Swimming had been taken up by a number of pupils, and Mr. Storer organised a swimming gala. They were grateful for financial assistance from the Education Authority concerning this.
The Arts
The Arts and Craft Exhibition of the previous summer had given particular pleasure to the Headmaster, and Parents' Day had been successful. Goldsmith's "She Stoops to Conquer" was shortly to be presented, and many successes in singing and dancing were achieved at the Pontefract Music Festival of 1928, much of which general progress was due to the fine efforts of his loyal and capable staff, the support of the Governors, and in particular, the chairman Ald. Price. Thanks were given to the parents, together with an appeal for them to take an added interest in the work of their children, and to report to him any irregularities or errors.
Careers
Mr. Jenkinson said he would welcome any help or advice concerning the careers of the scholars. He had a notice board in school on which he posted information relating to this, and people were invited to come and speak on the subject. He would like more parents to attend these talks, and discuss the matter generally with himself and the staff. He felt that the teaching profession was overcrowded, and other avenues must be found for young people. On the other hand, the real aim of education was the formation of the character, and he ended his report by quoting the late Lord Oxford's address to Aberdeen University:
"Keep always with you, whatever your course may be, the company of great thoughts, the inspiration of great ideals, the example of great achievements and the consolation of great failures. So equipped, you can face without perturbation the buffets of circumstance, the caprice of fortune and all the inscrutable vicissitudes of life."
1929
The Headmaster's Report
The Headmaster's Report
Eight Busy and Fruitful Years
Mr. A.G. Jenkinson said that the progress made at the school in the past eight years was incredible, yet there was still much to be done. The new buildings referred to in the last report had not yet been begun, but would soon be started. To carry on a school of 360 pupils with a building equipped for 250 was a difficult task. There was special need of enlarged workshop accommodation to carry on that branch of the curriculum, and for more playing fields to accommodate outdoor games. A generous grant from the Local Authority meant a new hard tennis court was now being considered. The headmaster paid a cordial tribute to the work of his staff, and to the parents and Governors for their understanding and reasonable acceptance of his policies.
Break with Tradition
The pupils in the third and fourth years were now following their alternative courses, as planned, and the fourth and fifth forms were divided into three branches - arts, science and commercial - all three courses leading to the School Certificate. This system broke away from the traditional rule of no specialisation before school certificate, but in this age one was obliged to break with many traditions, and a course which included English, a foreign language and mathematics could not be regarded as specialised to any considerable extent. On the other hand, there was strong revolt against mass production in education; it was being recognised more and more that the individual matters, the individual girl or boy, the individual teacher, the individual school. Even at the age of 14 or 15 some account must be taken of the tendencies which a girl or boy shows towards one branch or another of educational training.
The Examinations
The number who had gained matriculation during 1929 was encouraging. Seven out of ten candidates gained Higher School Certificates, sixteen matriculated, and twenty one obtained School Certificates, a total of 37 passes out of 53 candidates. Three whole Forms were now entered for School Certificates, and took the examination in all main subjects. There was no collection of pupils or of subjects, as with some schools, which were therefore perhaps able to show a higher percentage of successes. He doubted if there was any other school of a similar size which submitted three whole forms for school certificate examination, and the proportion of successes under these conditions was, he thought, extremely satisfactory. A Parker-Rhodes scholarship in mining engineering, tenable at Sheffield University, had been awarded to Arthur Thorpe. This was a new scholarship, awarded for the first time. In the Royal Society of Arts examination, 13 candidates obtained certificates in arithmetic, 15 in book-keeping, and 15 in shorthand. Seventy-six pupils left at the end of last year, and 76 were admitted, including 55 County Minor scholars. The decision of the Government to raise the school leaving age, and the consequent demand for a larger number of teachers to be trained, had had its effect in increasing the number of pupils who had left school to go into training colleges or practising schools instead of staying on for another year.
Employment Problems and Colonial Enterprise
There were difficulties in obtaining suitable employment for boys leaving school, and he was trying to bring the school into closer touch with employers. This was easier in the large towns; however, he was appealing to the local Chamber of Trade and to all employers in the district to notify the school of vacancies so that girls and boys with a good standard of education might have an opportunity of applying for openings. "In any case," continued Mr. Jenkinson, "It is difficult to find good openings in this country for all who want them, and for that reason I am encouraging boys (there is a better opportunity for them than for girls) to acquire a spirit of adventure and to go in for colonial enterprise. Last year several talks on the subject were given in the school, and Miss Leatham came on one occasion - her interest in these schemes is well known and her words will still be fresh in the minds of some of you."
School Training
Dealing with the work and character of the pupils, Mr. Jenkinson quoted Mr. Rudyard Kipling as saying that very few men are more than sixteen years old when it comes to the pinch - meaning that the boy is father of the man. School training was merely a rehearsal for the greater things of life. Mr. Kipling laid stress on the value of three things which must be learnt at school, self-control, toleration (that is being able to see the other person's point of view) and a sense of what really matters. He hoped and believed that they were teaching these things at Hemsworth. In this part of school education, prefects had their place. If they were true to their duty they could do more than anyone to keep the right tone in the school and to develop those characteristics of which Mr. Kipling speaks. He recalled many loyal and conscientious prefects who endeavoured to leave the school better than they found it, and he was very glad that through the kindness of Mrs. Warde-Aldham, the head girl and head boy of last year were to receive special prizes in commemoration of their year of office. These prizes were given to Miriam Wass and Walter H. Wright.
Sheila
Mr. A.G. Jenkinson said that the progress made at the school in the past eight years was incredible, yet there was still much to be done. The new buildings referred to in the last report had not yet been begun, but would soon be started. To carry on a school of 360 pupils with a building equipped for 250 was a difficult task. There was special need of enlarged workshop accommodation to carry on that branch of the curriculum, and for more playing fields to accommodate outdoor games. A generous grant from the Local Authority meant a new hard tennis court was now being considered. The headmaster paid a cordial tribute to the work of his staff, and to the parents and Governors for their understanding and reasonable acceptance of his policies.
Break with Tradition
The pupils in the third and fourth years were now following their alternative courses, as planned, and the fourth and fifth forms were divided into three branches - arts, science and commercial - all three courses leading to the School Certificate. This system broke away from the traditional rule of no specialisation before school certificate, but in this age one was obliged to break with many traditions, and a course which included English, a foreign language and mathematics could not be regarded as specialised to any considerable extent. On the other hand, there was strong revolt against mass production in education; it was being recognised more and more that the individual matters, the individual girl or boy, the individual teacher, the individual school. Even at the age of 14 or 15 some account must be taken of the tendencies which a girl or boy shows towards one branch or another of educational training.
The Examinations
The number who had gained matriculation during 1929 was encouraging. Seven out of ten candidates gained Higher School Certificates, sixteen matriculated, and twenty one obtained School Certificates, a total of 37 passes out of 53 candidates. Three whole Forms were now entered for School Certificates, and took the examination in all main subjects. There was no collection of pupils or of subjects, as with some schools, which were therefore perhaps able to show a higher percentage of successes. He doubted if there was any other school of a similar size which submitted three whole forms for school certificate examination, and the proportion of successes under these conditions was, he thought, extremely satisfactory. A Parker-Rhodes scholarship in mining engineering, tenable at Sheffield University, had been awarded to Arthur Thorpe. This was a new scholarship, awarded for the first time. In the Royal Society of Arts examination, 13 candidates obtained certificates in arithmetic, 15 in book-keeping, and 15 in shorthand. Seventy-six pupils left at the end of last year, and 76 were admitted, including 55 County Minor scholars. The decision of the Government to raise the school leaving age, and the consequent demand for a larger number of teachers to be trained, had had its effect in increasing the number of pupils who had left school to go into training colleges or practising schools instead of staying on for another year.
Employment Problems and Colonial Enterprise
There were difficulties in obtaining suitable employment for boys leaving school, and he was trying to bring the school into closer touch with employers. This was easier in the large towns; however, he was appealing to the local Chamber of Trade and to all employers in the district to notify the school of vacancies so that girls and boys with a good standard of education might have an opportunity of applying for openings. "In any case," continued Mr. Jenkinson, "It is difficult to find good openings in this country for all who want them, and for that reason I am encouraging boys (there is a better opportunity for them than for girls) to acquire a spirit of adventure and to go in for colonial enterprise. Last year several talks on the subject were given in the school, and Miss Leatham came on one occasion - her interest in these schemes is well known and her words will still be fresh in the minds of some of you."
School Training
Dealing with the work and character of the pupils, Mr. Jenkinson quoted Mr. Rudyard Kipling as saying that very few men are more than sixteen years old when it comes to the pinch - meaning that the boy is father of the man. School training was merely a rehearsal for the greater things of life. Mr. Kipling laid stress on the value of three things which must be learnt at school, self-control, toleration (that is being able to see the other person's point of view) and a sense of what really matters. He hoped and believed that they were teaching these things at Hemsworth. In this part of school education, prefects had their place. If they were true to their duty they could do more than anyone to keep the right tone in the school and to develop those characteristics of which Mr. Kipling speaks. He recalled many loyal and conscientious prefects who endeavoured to leave the school better than they found it, and he was very glad that through the kindness of Mrs. Warde-Aldham, the head girl and head boy of last year were to receive special prizes in commemoration of their year of office. These prizes were given to Miriam Wass and Walter H. Wright.
Sheila
