Fitzalan Technical High School (1953-1968) Howard Gardens
Motto: none School colours: Green blazer (badge top pocket) edged with silver and green whorled piping, and badged cap.
Badge: Four quarters, Top 'Welsh Dragon', 'Cardiff's three Chevrons', bottom initials 'F.T. H.S'
Organisation
Mr Oram retired in July 1952, and the school was opened as a new separate technical school in September 1953 in the old Howard Gardens School building (Howardian High School had relocated to Penylan in the Eastern suburbs) with around 200 boys under Mr Harold C Eyre B.A. the new Head Master. The school was officially named ‘Fitzalan Technical High School’ in December 1953. Admission was by Eleven plus exam, and the school was run on Grammar school lines with class forms streamed by ability, and divided into ‘houses’ with house captains. They were named after famous British technical pioneers in their fields: 'Stephenson' (George Stephenson), 'Priestley' (Joseph Priestley), 'Faraday' (Michael Faraday), and 'Scott' House (Robert Falcon Scott), (the Antarctic explorer who sailed from Cardiff in 1910). In 1959 Mr Leslie Philip Herbert, B.Sc. the much respected deputy Head (and Geography teacher, affectionately known as 'Pop' by pupils) suddenly died, and in 1960 a new ‘Herbert’ house was named in his memory. Most masters wore black gowns whilst in school on a daily basis although the ‘mortarboard’ academic cap had by this time disappeared. Corporal punishment was in force, and school prefects were selected from the senior boys to maintain discipline. In 1956, the Director of Education congratulated the school on achieving many passes at G.C.E. at the first time of entry in the schools short history. In December 1957 the Inaugural Meeting of an Old Boys Association was held at the School.
Competitive sports
Competition was encouraged and a school sports day held each summer term. The first School Sports day was held in the Castle Grounds at Blackweir Park and the Sports Cup was won by 'Scott House', and presented by the Headmasters wife. From 1958 this annual event was held at Maindy Centre Stadium. The school syllabus included rugby, cricket, swimming, tennis and athletics. Pontcanna Fields were used for House matches. Summer events included ‘Staff’ v ‘School’ matches in tennis and cricket. The first Staff XI v School XI cricket match was played at Sophia Gardens in July 1955. It was won by the Staff XI (Capt. Mr.Leslie Evans, B.Sc). The School XI team (Capt. G.Baynham, 4A) scored 42 all out. The Staff XI team scored 43 for 5 wickets. In July 1956 'School Colours' were awarded for the first time in rugby and cricket. In 1957 a swimming gala was held at the Guildhall Crescent Baths in the autumn term. At the same time the chairman of the parents association presented the school with a silver cup (to be known as the ‘Granville Davies Swimming Cup’) presented annually to the winning House at the Swimming Gala. In March 1960 the first ‘Old Boys rugby match took place against a School XV. The School XV had to wait until April 1964 to achieve its first win.
Arts and Educational visits
A St. David’s Day Eisteddfod was introduced in 1955 which became an annual event. The House Choir event was won by 'Faraday House' and the Trophy, for competition for the first time, by 'Scott House'. In March 1955 an exhibition of the work done for the Eisteddfod was held and some 200 parents came to see it. After this event a group of parents decided to form a ‘Parents Association’. In 1957 the first Annual Prize-Giving & Speech Day was held at the Reardon Smith Lecture Theatre in Cardiff, in the presence of the chairman of the city’s council who presented the prizes & certificates. To close the autumn term the school's annual 'Carol Service' was held in December at St.James’ Church in Newport Road (closed in 2006), usually in the presence of parents and educational officials from the city. The school established many links with local business and industry as well as the armed forces. Regular educational visits were made to companies such as Guest, Keen and Nettlefolds (now GKN), and Nantgarw Colliery. Including Royal Naval ships visiting Cardiff docks and Army establishments.
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