EDITORIAL
THE
School has grown considerably in stature since its formation as the
Junior Technical School in 1936, and then as the Technical High School
in 1946. The need for a school magazine has gradually made itself
evident. This need has now been catered for with the first edition of
" The Tower." We
believe that the Tower block has become a symbol of the School's lofty
aims, and thus, quite appropriately, the school magazine is named after
it.
The
magazine is primarily directed at students of the School, past and
present; secondly, at the public as an insight into the activities, news
and personalities of the School. Our approach to journalism is perhaps
unorthodox but, we hope, effectual in giving a true and vivid
cross-section of school life. Naturally, the academic, sporting and
social sides of the School will always take pride of place, but we hope
to provide a living account of our school life, and not merely a factual
record of results and more results. We as a young school with new ideas
and a fine new building; the" teething troubles " are over,
and we believe that we have a school that anyone would be proud to call
" My old school".
A
magazine, especially the pioneer copy, cannot be produced without a
great deal of hard work, and all credit is due to those members of the
Staff who have worked quietly in the background to produce a successful
first edition. In particular, we thank Mr. Crick, " the iron hand
in the velvet glove," who has guided the fortunes of " The
Tower " from the beginning. We must also thank Mr. Bennett for
obtaining the advertisements, without which this magazine would still
only be an idea, Mrs. Taylor and her fifth-year girls for turning the
magazine from scribble into type-script, and Mr. Adams for his excellent
and inspiring cover design.
Now
a word about the School itself. We are especially pleased with the
growth of the many clubs and societies. Activities out side school-hours
are increasing rapidly. Mention must be made of the concert and play,
put on at Christmas, both of which were enjoyed by all who saw them. The
first Prefects' Dance was held in December; it was a great success, and
it is hoped to make it an annual affair.
On
the academic side, the G.C.E. results, at all levels, are better than
ever before, and the Sixth Form continues to grow each year. Examination results are to be found elsewhere in the
magazine.
We
are pleased that an Old Students' Association has been formed and we
hope that its growth will continue unchecked-students of the School
becoming members of the Association immediately on leaving the School.
On
the critical side, we feel that there has always been a lack of interest
in House activities in the School; possibly because there haven't been
many House activities in the past. We feel it is time that a spirit of
competition was introduced between the School Houses: more activities
could be organised if pupils showed sufficient interest.
We
welcome those of the Staff who have joined us during this school-year:
Mr. Gibson, Mr. Jones, Mr. Major, Mr. Meldrum, Mr. Smithurst, Mrs.
Wrigley, Mr. Syer, Mrs. Taylor, Miss. Littler, Miss. Clews, Mr. Waller
and Mr. Gilkes, and extend our best wishes to those who have left-us:
Mlle. Reignier, Mr. Jury, Mr. Johnstone, Mr. Burn, Miss Evans, Mr.
Nortney, Miss Clegg, Mr. Phillips and Mr. Hill.
Our thanks are due especially to Mr. Burn, Mr. Nortney, Mr.
Phillips and Miss Clegg who, between them, have devoted many years of
service to the School.
Finally,
we wish all those pupils who are leaving the School at the end of the
Summer Term, good luck and every success in their future careers.
