An exhibition of memorabilia from Ramsey Grammar School will be among events held to celebrate the 70th anniversary of comprehensive education in the Isle of Man.
The school is linking up with Ramsey Heritage Centre to mount the exhibition in September and is appealing to former staff, pupils and the public to loan items.
The Island led the way in introducing comprehensive education, inclusive to all students regardless of academic ability or income. The ethos is still at the heart of education in the Isle of Man today.
The opening of Ramsey Grammar School and Ballakermeen High School on 25th October 1946 by UK Home Secretary James (later Lord) Chuter Ede was a red letter day in the Island’s history.
In England, comprehensive education wasn’t widely introduced until 1965.
The school and the centre in Quayle’s Hall, next to the Manx Electric Railway station, are appealing to former staff and pupils and their relatives for items to exhibit.
Annette Baker, Headteacher, said: ‘The Island was a leader in introducing schools that welcomed everyone in the community as opposed to schooling children separately according to ability and charging fees, as was usually the case in the 1940s.
‘Although our school retains its title of a grammar school, it is a legacy of the past.
‘The Department of Education and Children will celebrate the 70th anniversary of comprehensive education in the Island with a series of events, one of which is this exhibition.
‘We hope to borrow school uniforms, reports, prizes, trophies, photos, newspaper cuttings and other memorabilia of 70 years’ comprehensive education in Ramsey.’
John Cannan, Curator of Ramsey Heritage Centre, said: ‘Ramsey Grammar School is a key part of Ramsey's heritage and many residents of the town and the surrounding area will have passed through its doors in the past 70 years.
‘Many former scholars will have left the Island and some have no doubt travelled to far flung corners of the world. All will have memories of their time at Ramsey Grammar and the heritage centre welcomes the opportunity to work with the school to commemorate this significant anniversary.’
The centre opens for the season on 21st March and will be open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday.
Prior to then, items for loan can be dropped off at the school. Please ensure they are carefully labelled so they can be returned.
Mrs Baker can be contacted via Headteacher@rgs.sch.im or 01624 811100.
Ramsey Heritage Centre will update its Facebook page with news about the exhibition.
Photo - Annette Baker, Headteacher, Ramsey Grammar School, and John Cannan, Curator, Ramsey Heritage Centre, planning the exhibition.
