Forms - 2nd, 3rd, 4A, 4B, 4C, 5A, 5B, 5C, Lower Sixth, Upper Sixth
Curriculum
A – Classics – Latin & Greek
B – Modern Languages – French & German
C – Science & Maths – usually Physics, Chemistry, Biology & Maths
Exams - School Certificate taken at Form 5 level – 5 credits for Matriculation
Higher Certificate taken at Sixth Form level
Form 4B German – I recall Mr H R Roach caned the form for being lazy. The sting was in the tail, as next day Roach appeared on OTC Parade with an entirely different coloured swagger cane.
Daily routine – School House – cold bath every morning
House tutor – Mr A C Webber – used to give us a flick behind
the ear – in some ways more effective than a caning.
Winter Term – soccer. Lent Term – Hockey and Fives
Summer Term – cricket.
House matches were 2 innings and played to a finish. My memory of House matches was 161 not out against Cox’s House (now McGill’s) which ultimately gave me the opportunity for the last colour in the 1st XI in 1937. It would be interesting to know if this has since been bettered. I can never be grateful enough to Mr G Vasey for his wonderful coaching.
Cross Country – not sure when I came to Aldenham but introduced in either 1935 or 1936.
Arthur Dunn Cup – At the end of my first term (Lent 1934) my father took me to Crystal Palace to see the final. OA’s beat O Wykehamists 6 – 2. Wykehamists had either 7 or 8 Blues playing, but OA’s had Donald Shearer, best OA footballer I have ever seen.
Years after School – It took 4 months to find a job. Joined TA in 1939. Left home for a months training in August 1939 and returned home 6 years later.