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Chapter Ten Teachers of Old Swinford Schools We know a great deal about the Head Teachers from their entries in the Log Books. In the early years they tended to be the only qualified teachers in their respective Departments but over the years other teaching staff were recruited. By 1939 all the Departments had a number of teachers in addition to the Head. These teachers obviously played a major role in the history of the school and no doubt ex-pupils have remembered them many years after their schooldays. Sometimes there has been more than one teacher from the same family. There were the Orfords, for example, in both the Boys’ and Girls’ Departments in the early twentieth century. Some teachers remained at the school for a very long time. Mr. E. B. Edwards was an Assistant Master in the Boy’s Department for over 37 years, leaving in 1932. Miss Eveson was at the school for 38 years, leaving in 1958. But the greatest achievement of long service was that of Mrs. Wheelwright who was an Assistant Mistress in the Infants’ Department for 52 years from 1894 to 1946. In more recent years notable long serving members of Staff include Mrs A. Harris [nee Southern] 33 years 1972 – 2005; Miss F. Nangle 27 years 1969-1996; Mrs. J. Williams {School Secretary} 23 years 1969-1992; Mrs. J. Wills {Ancillary Assistant} 29 years 1973-2002: Mrs. M. O’Hanlon 22 years 1974-1996; Mrs. P. Wilding {Ancillary Assistant} 21 years 1967-1988 Mrs. E. I. Tolley 20 years 1976-1996: Mr. J. M. Tromans currently 25 years / Mrs. A. Round currently 24 years / Mrs. L. Jandrell currently 20 years. References to the many Teachers who have worked in the Old Swinford Schools can be found within the chapters of this book. However, there are many who are not named. Apologies are given to those not mentioned. There are numerous references to Pupil Teachers. In the early years they trained and worked within the school for several years before taking an exam to gain a scholarship to Training College. It was the responsibility of the Head Teacher to ensure that the Pupil Teacher was taught lessons outside of school hours, often starting at 7:00am. In 1896 the Rector gave regular lessons in Latin to the Pupil Teachers from the Boys’ Department. From 1905 the Pupil Teachers had to attend lessons at the Technical College in Stourbridge. The burden of teaching the Pupil Teachers had been eased but they spent less time within the school. The Heads noted this. In later years numerous Student Teachers have undergone Teaching Practice at the school some returning to become fully qualified members of Staff.
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