Fifty years since Newark's Grove Comprehensive School opened its doors
Fifty years ago this week, the new Grove Comprehensive School opened its doors to pupils for the first time.
Under the guidance of head Mr Norton Bates, pupils could take advantage of top facilities.
As the Advertiser reported: “They will have a wider range of subjects to choose from than most grammar or secondary modern schools can offer. But their education will not stop short at this.
“The aim of the new school will not only be to turn out people who can pass examinations and get good jobs, but people with well-rounded personalities, who have wide interests and can talk to anyone they meet on almost any subject.”
The Grove said there would be classes of no more 30.
Facilities included a theatre with seating for 200 that could be used every day for drama sessions, and a projection room that could be used for educational films and a film club.
According to the Advertiser, one of the most inviting rooms was the dining room, which had a turquoise carpet to add a touch of luxury and the deaden noise.
There was also a carpet in the dining recess in the domestic science department where girls, and some boys, would be taught to lay a table and present a meal attractively.
There were 12 replicas of a fitted kitchen and a laundry section with washing machine and drying cabinet.
The school also included a large engineering workshop with a forge, and a woodwork room.
Upstairs were the maths and science departments with seven laboratories and a lecture theatre.
