SPEECH DAY, 1956

Mr. W. E. Dean, Chairman of Governors, opened the proceedings at Church Hall on November 29th, and after his welcome to those present called upon the Headmaster for his report on the School's activities. Saying that the School now numbered 448 pupils, Mr. Johnson said that the most pressing need was additional classrooms. In spite of accommodation difficulties the year 1955 - 56 was one of good all round achievement. One State Scholarship and three County Major Scholarships had been won, and the average number of subjects gained per candidate in the G.C.E. "O" level examination was 4.2, comparing very favourably with the national and county percentages.

On the Sports side the School had produced no outstanding teams but the School had been represented in all the Junior County Teams. Four pupils were awarded Standard Medals at the All England Junior Athletics Championships held at Plymouth.

In mentioning the trips abroad during the Easter holidays, Mr. Johnson said we could not rate too highly the value of foreign travel as an antidote to ignorance of the setting, the life, and the problems of other nationalities, which is the seed from which grows distrust, envy and fear, and ultimately war.

After Mr. Johnson's report the Junior Choir sang "Little Sir Williarn", a Somerset folk song arranged by Benjamin Britten, "Weep you no more, sad fountains" by Norman Delmouth, and "The Song of the Music Makers" by Martin Shaw.

The prizes were distributed by Miss Marjorie L. Hourd, of Exeter University. In her address Miss Hourd emphasised the importance of being "in the way of learning" rather than being learned. Everyone should have a mind not made up but made ready, one that was receptive and prepared and that had not lost the adventure of learning. Miss Howard said that poetry was her particular line of business and she believed that everyone possessed the nature of a poet. Everyone today should be to some extent scientist and to some extent poet.

Addressing the girls, Miss Howard concluded by saying, "the thing this world really needs is feminine maturity. It is not an easy thing to come by but well worth working for. Enjoy learning and enjoy yourself."

The proceedings terminated with votes of thanks expressed by Mrs. P. M. L. Macmullen and Mr. J. Walton Turner.