The history of our School - Kings Norton Boys

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ous bathing and the many incidents which made our holidays there so delightful. In December 1949, Mr. F.W. Wright retired and was succeeded as Deputy Headmaster by Mr. L.K. Ecclestone. In January 1952, Mr. Reynolds, the Headmaster was awarded the O.B.E. He himself insisted that this was an honour , not for himself, but for the school. However in addition to his arduous duties as a headmaster, he was a devoted educationist and had done much for the teaching of general science. He was a member of the Joint Matriculation Board and chairman of the King's Norton Branch of the United Nations Association. He was a member of the committee and a past chairman of the City of Birmingham choir and a governor of Saltley Training College. He thus richly deserved this great honor in his own right. At Easter 1953, many new building changes took place at the school, changes which Mr. Reynolds had asked for when he first came to the school in 1934. New cycle accommodation on the east field. The Art block was built. The General Chemistry Laboratory and General Biology Laboratory were built. The old art room was converted into a library. The old library was converted into an office. The old office became the second master's room. In 1954 the school acquired a motto which had hitherto been lacking: Humani semper contendimus. We, being courteous, sympathetic and understanding,constantly strive. The number of boys on the school roll was about 700 when in August 1956. Mr. Reynolds retired. So ended the second chapter in the school's history. Mr. W.H. Reynolds was succeeded by Mr. G. Sheen. Mr. Sheen was an open scholar of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, where he gained first class honours in Mathematical Moderations and in the Final Honours School of Mathematics - with distinction in atomic structure. He had been senior mathematics master at Wolverhampton Grammar School and head of the mathematics and science departments at Bromsgrove School. He had been a very active scout leader and he had strong interests in music, school orchestras and dramatic societies. He was an active member of the congregational Church and he had a growing interest in philosophy. Above all he was a most able and enthusiastic educationist with a tremendous capacity for work. Mr. Sheen's task was a very difficult one at the time of his appointment since the number of boys in the school was steadily growing each year. In the early
1960's, the peak was reached when the number was 780 and conditions became most difficult; 100 boys were entered for A level. The acquisition of Brunnaker House was a great help but not altogether suitable, However progress continued to be made, a fate was organised by the Parent-Teacher Association as a result of which the school obtained its own electronic organ. Later an excellent gymnasium was built, the old gymnasium became a new dining room and arrangements were much improved. Through the efforts of Mr. Sheen, the school forged a link with Solesi through the person of Neil Nkanza, boys have taken part in American Field Service and in Voluntary Service overseas. The Parent-Teacher Association also provided a sailing boat for the school and sailing took place on the Earlswood lakes. A little later Alderman Ernest Tye, J.P., who was then Mayor of Stourbridge, kindly presented the school with another boat. In 1966 Mr. Sheen acquired for the school a cottage at Pen-Rhos in Merionethshire on a 50 years lease from The Forestry Commission. This is now the venue for many happy and instructional visits. In 1967 the old prefabricated class rooms were removed and a splendid sixth form block, including a new staff room, was built. The base of this block is now the music room. During the last 60's- early 70's the school excelled at games, particularly association football and basketball. The dramatic society, too, staged productions of outstanding merit whilst overseas visits costing upwards of £50 were commonplace. Mr. L.K. Ecclestone, The Deputy Headmaster, retired in July, 1968 and was succeeded by Mr. K.A. Hearne who came to us from The Hulme Grammar School, Oldham. In September 1969, it was found necessary to reduce the number of houses from five to four; many old boys will feel a tinge of regret at the passing of Greves. Jervoise, Lyttleton, Middlemore and Mortimer in spite of the fact that they have been replaced by such distinguished names as James. Reynolds. Weaver and Wright. It was with deep regret that we learned of the tragic death of our Headmaster, Mr. G. Sheen on 5th June 1970. An appreciation of Mr. Sheen's great work, written by Mr. K.A. Hearne, is printed in The Autumn 1970 edition of The Eagle. Mr. Hearne had been beset with illness and great difficulties since he became Deputy Headmaster in January 1969. Everyone was delighted when be was appointed to succeed Mr. Sheen as Headmaster of the School in October 1970. What lies ahead From July 1966 onwards, Sir Lionel Russell produced numerous schemes for the education of Birmingham children. However, education and politics are closely linked and other schemes had to be formulated. It now seems likely that the School will maintain its Grammar School status for some time. If one day, comprehensive education for all is to come, it is hoped that it will be administered in purpose-built Schools. Come what may, the old Grammar School in King's Norton Church Yard will always be a reminder of our own grammar school although our connection with it is one of name only. The date of origin of this old school is still a matter of speculation, but it is probably 1344, when Edward III signed letters patent, licensing William Pass, vicar of King's Norton, to build a house on the church
Page 1 and 2: History of our School 1911-1971 Tak
Page 3: mellow serenity of Evesham's apple

The history of our School - Kings Norton Boys

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