PrestonLodge.net 

The latest extracts from the Preston Lodge Log Book are taken from January 1925 - the first New Year for the School.

6 January

The school reopened today at 9.00am. A new class was enrolled; this class consisted of pupils from Tranent, Prestonpans, Cockenzie and Pencaitland Public Schools, where they had “qualified” as from 1st January 1928.

8th January

Miss Porteous absent from school to-day through illness.

9th January

Miss Porteous returned to duty this morning.

15th January

The following letter was received from the Scottish Education Department.  “Adverting to your letter of 14th Nov. last, I am directed to return the enclosed form S12 for reconsideration in light of the following observations:-

“Attention is called to the terms of Art 2 of the Secondary Schools (Scotland) Regulations 1923, and it is pointed out that the provision for Music does not satisfy the requirements thereof.

The time devoted to physical instruction after the first year of the course should be increased.  The proposal to discontinue Art after the first year of the Classical Course and after the second year in Modern Language Course, and Geography after the second year in both courses should be reconsidered.

It is also suggested that, in view of the small allowance of time for English & History during the first three years of the course, the dropping of one period of English in the second year by candidates following the Classical course is to be deprecated.

With regard to the above observations, I am to call attention to the exacting nature of each of the courses proposed  and to request that further proposals may be submitted making suitable provision for such courses as may be followed successfully by normal pupils of average intelligence regard being had to the necessity of devoting adequate time and attention to the study of English & History, and of meeting the requirements of Section 4 of Circular 62 in regard to Geography, Art, Physical Education, and Music.  A separate form should be used for each course.”

These suggestions will be met when we move up to the new school by having 8 periods daily as follows:-

9-9.30; 9.30-10.15; 10.15-11; 11.5-11.50; 11.50-12.35. 1.30-2.15; 2.15-3; 3.-.45.

21 January

Miss Ann Milne Andrews Maver M.A. commenced duty to-day as assistant teacher of English and Geography.

27 January

Yesterday afternoon the desks were removed from U.F. Church Hall to the Technical Block at Preston Lodge.  From to-day classes are being held partly in the five rooms of the Technical Block and partly in the Parish Church Hall, Hut, Science Laboratory and Cookery room of the Public School in Kirk Street.  There are still two rooms of the Technical Block to be completed.

29 January

Miss M. A. Mitchell M.A. B.Sc, who had previously been on the staff here, resumed duty as a temporary assistant teacher of Science and Mathematics.