1973-1980 Events at Norton School

1973

An old manual fire engine, renovated by Mr Derek Wheeler's woodwork class, appeared on the BBC children's programme, "Blue Peter".  The School register is now more than 800, with an official establishment of 50.5 staff.  French is now being taught in all classes, and this summer the whole first year of 150 with ten staff and four sixth-formers spent two days in Le Tréport.  The School now has a computer terminal linked to Hatfield Polytechnic.  School leaving age has been raised to 16.

1974

Entering the new intake of 150 into the admissions register, we found that Colin Lawrence was the ten thousandth pupil of the School.  Music master Charles Vale retired after 20 years at the School, and Dennis Betts, head of the art department and Second Master, after 26.  We have established "Link" courses with Letchworth College of Technology, and a link in an exchange of students with a school in Grunstadt in northern Germany.  Letchworth Garden City Corporation has generously helped the School to buy valuable items of audio-visual equipment.

1975

Norton School Brass Band was formed.  At the annual dinner in November, Mr John looked back over nearly 27 years as Headmaster, saying "It is a pleasant fact that never have I dreaded Monday morning!"  On 6 December, the School gave him a special farewell presentation of "This is Your Life".

1976

The School's fourth Headmaster, Mr Peter Wall, assumed his duties in January.  In September came the opening of the new mathematics and history block, and the introduction of the weekly Sixth-From Conference.  Mr David Peters has succeeded Mr John Armitage as Chairman of the School Governors.

1977

Innovations this year were the sixth-form leavers' dinner dance in June, the Governors' and staff cheese and wine party in July, the Debating Society in September, and the Norton Awards and Report Evening in October.  The Fourth Year Options scheme is also changed to ensure that all students do one science and one social studies subject as well as English and maths.  Farewells were said to Mrs. D. Scott, head of domestic science for 17 years, and Mrs Ruth Shaw, School Secretary for 18 years.  Mr R. Holmes, head of mathematics, left for a year's teaching exchange with Mr D. Rasmussen from Bracebridge, Ontario, whom we welcomed in September.

1978

In a cold February, part of the School, and then the whole, was closed for a few days because of a national strike of oil tanker drivers.  A sponsored "Superstars" competition raised nearly £800 for School funds.  Alan Leonard became the All England Schoolboys under-15 400 metres champion.  Mrs W. Pragnell, Senior Mistress and head of Remedial department, retired in July after 22 years' service, while Mr Barrie Mathews, Deputy Head, and Mr Jack Farey, Caretaker, celebrated 25 years at the School.

<1979 and 1980 will be added soon>

(Extract from Norton School 75th Anniversary 1905-1980)

Return to Norton School 5th Years 1978 Home Page