Embedded Files
Example of a pupil’s report, summer 1958
Reports at this time were issued on separate sheets to pupils, who were allowed to keep possession of them at home. In later years, pupil reports were kept in a booklet and, apart from the few occasions when being inspected and signed by parents, remained in school. Note the simplicity of the assessment and recording format, with a minimum of writing on the part of the staff.
Leavers, July 1958
Fifth formers celebrating their last day at school are:
Standing, from left: Peter Megram, Bert Crowley, Mike Blundell, Bernard Carroll.
Seated, from left: Ged Horner, Tony Maclean, Tommy Leake, Terry Chappell.
The picture was taken in Ardwick Green Park, following a farewell drink in the Church Inn.
Copy of a DIPLOMA, July 1958
The introduction of the O-level GCE eventually led to the abolition of the Central School Certificate, with its examinations being taken for the final time in 1957. In its place for a brief period was a Diploma, which was taken by boys at the end of their fourth year. This document – faded with the passage of time and partly printed in an almost indecipherable yellow – is a reminder of the wide range of subjects studied at that time. It shows the Manchester city coat of arms at the top, in yellow. In addition, it has the following inscription:
This is to certify that Paul Tamburro of this school has completed a four-year course and has passed in the following subjects:- English Language, English Literature, History, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, French, Book-Keeping, Machine Drawing.
The diploma was signed by Mr A.J. Rocca, headmaster. Paul, like other boys, remained at school for a fifth year in order to take O-levels. Successful in these, he then moved to Xaverian College in order to study A-levels.
The syllabuses and examination papers were devised and set by the school, as were the marking, moderation and grading. As with the Central School Certificate, the words Credit and Distinction were typed in brackets after a subject where the performance was very good or exceptional. The examinations were taken in the hall (old and new) and the whole process was carried out under the auspices of the M.E.C.
Those boys who left school before the end of the fifth year did not leave empty handed: they had at least something to show for their time at the school. For those who entered the fifth year, the exams had given them valuable experience in the practice of revision techniques and sitting exams. In addition, they may have shown some boys what were their strongest and weakest subjects.
The diploma was short-lived, the last ones being awarded in 1961.
Boiler house
The boiler house sometimes gave off pungent fumes owing to the use of unsatisfactory coke. As a consequence, the fumes penetrated the first floor and classrooms had to be abandoned.
Crush
A report was made that some classes on the top corridor were being dismissed prior to 4.10pm. As boys from the lower corridor were still using the stairs, a dangerous crush resulted on the top landing. The head sent a note to all staff reminding them of the rule that “the top corridor must not be dismissed before 4.10pm”.
Extension
The builders took possession of the land for the extension to the school on 1st October 1958. A few weeks later, Mr Rocca held a staff meeting at which he outlined the work in progress and the changes to be implemented in the daily school routine.
New toilets
In November 1958, new toilets were installed at the end of the craft room on the ground floor. For several days craft lessons could not be taken.
Mr J.F. Vickers, RIP
Mr John Fletcher Vickers, the senior science master, died suddenly on the morning of Sunday, 16th November 1958, aged 46. He had served the school for 17 years.
Staff levels
An Inspector who visited the school in November 1958 reported that the number of staff “should be 24 or 25 and 26 in September next”. The current total was 21.
Among those who taught in the school year 1958-59 were the following:
Programme front cover
Extract from programme of Schools’ Drama Festival
This page from the ten-page programme highlights St Gregory’s contribution to the four-day festival. Eighteen high schools took part, with three schools performing in each of the six sessions shown. The other schools were Ardwick Secondary Girls’ School, Ryder Brow Secondary School, Baguley Hall Secondary School, Clayton Secondary School for Girls, Chorlton Park Secondary School, High School of Art, Claremont Secondary for Girls, St Joseph’s R.C. Secondary School, Moss House Secondary School, Wythenshawe Technical High School for Girls, Poundswick Grammar School, Oldwood Secondary School, Gresham Secondary School for Girls, Spurley Hey Secondary School, Nicholls Secondary School, St Mary’s Road Secondary School, and Ardwick Technical High School. Each performance was assessed by an adjudicator.
This surviving programme, badly guillotined in its making, was kept as a memento of the occasion by fourth-year pupil David Ramwell, who played the Angel Gabriel in the production and whose faultless performance was personally acknowledged and praised by Mr Terry Sheridan, the producer. The other members of the cast were also prominent and high-achieving pupils.
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