Best days, for pupils as well as teachers

AS we bid a fond farewell this week to Littlehampton Community School, I would like to pay my respects as somebody who spent seven happy years there as a pupil (1974-81) and then an equally enjoyable five years as an English teacher (1986-91).
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Jul 2009, 13:06 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 01:27 BST

At the school, we have had more than our fair share of students who have moved on to the most notable echelons of higher education and then plied their trade around the globe.

Equally important, though, are the thousands of students who stayed loyal to their roots and gave much back to the community where their education was nurtured.

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I cannot claim to be such a one, having spent many years teaching in the United States, but I have never forgotten my roots and the rich and diverse education I received, without which my life would be much the poorer.

Geoffrey Tate was the first headmaster of the school and his stature was immense.

If one was invited into his study then you can rest assured you had achieved something of considerable merit or, conversely, that you were about to receive a lecture of the sternest variety.

Mr Tate commanded and earned respect.

He passed away very recently, but should always be remembered as the architect of a modern form of education as Littlehampton embraced the comprehensive system in the early 1970s.

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There are a select band of teachers who have seen the changes throughout the years and remain at the school.

David Marsh, Nigel Warr, Norman Burles and Glenn Hampson spring to mind.

They will not thank me for ageing them so, but I am proud to have been their student and a colleague.

They represent the very best attributes of the school and remain enthusiastic and committed to academic excellence.

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As in all walks of life, one cannot close the book on almost 40 years of history without recalling moments of great joy and times of deep sorrow.

Clive Scrimshaw may well be the finest teacher of drama this region, never mind the school, ever produced.

The plays he directed were always of the highest calibre and his passing was untimely '“ his contribution to the success of the school should not be overlooked.

Everything changes and I wish all future students and teachers much success for the years ahead.

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If you enjoy your experience at the Academy half as much as I did at the Littlehampton School, then you shall be both happy and grateful in equal measure.

Martin Brewer

Yapton Road

Climping

NOTE: All letters must include a name and address which can be withheld by request.

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