Secondary Education at Loughor

 

An extract from the Llwchwr Society Magazine 1994

 

Upper Loughor Secondary Modern School

 

The school was opened on 1^st September, 1952. The Headmaster was Mr. Emlyn Thomas, B.A. Hons (Wales), MSc (London). Prior to his appointment, Mr. Thomas was Senior History Master at Gowerton Boys’ Grammar School, a post he took up in 1945. Prior to that he had been on the teaching staff of a school in London for seven years.

 

The Masters appointed were :- 

Mr. D. T. Davies  - Geography & Maths

Mr. D. James – English

Mr. G. T. Looker – General Science and Gardening

Mr. Keith Maddocks  - P.E. & General Subjects

Mr. D. A. Thomas – handicrafts

 

The Mistresses appointed were :- 

Miss. Gwen Watkins – Needlework

Miss Jenny Hughes – Domestic Science

Miss Rachel A. Thomas – Welsh

Miss Vi Davies – Music & General Subjects

Miss. E. R. Richards – Art & Craft

Miss M. E. Bowen – History & Maths

Miss Janice G. Williams – P. E. & General Subjects

 

The school opened with a roll of 296 pupils in 10 forms

 

The logbook records the opening of the school

 

The opening Morning was bright and sunny and we began with a short religious assembly in the playground. The school caretaker and canteen staff were invited to join in. A short portion of the scriptures was read and a prayer was offered for the school’s success.

 

On the second day the Headmaster announced that a School Motto had been chosen, it was “Nid Dysg Heb Foes”. It was chosen because of its emphasis on manners.

 

The Logbook records several interesting items :-

 

11^th November, 1952 – the creation of a school garden

 

13^th November, 1952 – a party of 30 boys and girls from form 5 were taken to visit the Lwchwr U.D.Council Chamber at Gorseinon.

 

13^th December, 1952 – a party of five boys who would be leaving at the end of term were taken to the Mountain Colliery. The Under Manager, Mr. Banks conducted the party underground and led them approximately one and a quarter miles from the pit bottom to the coal face.

 

27^th February, 1953 – first Inter-house Eisteddfod held at Welfare Hall, Loughor.

 

27^th March, 1953 – End of Term Assembly

 

21^st May,1953 – London Visit – 75 pupils accompanied by nine members of staff went on a visit to London. The party arrived at Paddington at 12 noon and were taken in coaches on a sight seeing tour. They arrived at Regent’s Park at 3 p.m.- had tea and spent the rest of the time at the Zoological Gardens.

 

5^th June, 1953 – the school celebrated the Coronation. The morning service began at 9. 30 with visitors including Alderman William Evans J.P. Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Deeley and Councillor Harris Jones. When the service was over Alderman William Evans presented each pupil with a copy of the New Testament.

 

After the morning break a team of boys trained by Mr. Maddocks, gave a display of P.E. and gymnastics. This was followed by a team of girls, trained by Miss. Janice Williams, giving a display of Folk Dancing.

 

In the afternoon, Inter-schools Sports were held on the school fields and at 4 p.m. pupils, visitors and staff assembled in the dining room for a Coronation Tea.

 

9^th July, 1953 – a day’s holiday was granted as the Queen was visiting Llanelli. In the evening a large number of pupils assembled to see the Royal Train passing through Gowerton.