PLYMOUTH |
The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History |
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DEVONPORT SECONDARY MODERN SCHOOL Devonport Secondary Modern School, Plymouth, was created by an amalgamation of Stoke Secondary Modern School and Cornwall Street Secondary School for Girls, both of which closed at the end of the summer term in 1963. Construction work commenced in 1960 and was due for completion on April 23rd 1962. Nine houses had to be demolished in Milne Place and Hood Street to make way for the playground. [1] Designed by the City Architect, Mr H J W Stirling, the construction work was carried out by Messrs Hill and Lang (Plymouth) Ltd. It cost £169,000 to build. There were three blocks, constructed mainly of local brick, and these were linked by covered walk ways. Grey and pale blue asbestos panels provided the decoration. [1] The classrooms were in the three-storey block facing Devonport Park. On the ground floor were two classrooms plus rooms for housecraft, needlecraft, metalwork, and woodwork. The housecraft room was fully fitted out with the latest gas and electric cookers and washing machines. Five more classrooms along with the library and the art room were on the first floor. Five further classrooms were on the top floor, along with the science rooms and laboratories. [1] A two-storey gymnasium was situated on the side of the site nearest the Royal Sailors' Rest. A boiler room, showers and changing rooms were on the ground floor with the actual gym on the first floor. This measured 69 feet by 40 feet and was covered in inch-thick, highly polished Canadian Rock maple strip. [1] Between the two blocks, facing the main road, was the combined assembly/dining hall. This measured 70 feet by 49 feet and had kitchens behind the stage area. Adjoining it were rooms for the Headmaster, secretary and teaching staff. [1] Devonport Secondary Modern School was opened on Monday September 9th 1963. [2] The first Head Master was Mr A W Jenkyns, who claimed: 'There are no beehive hairstyles and can-can petticoats worn by the girls: no leather jackets or tight jeans on the boys. They are sensible young people who are learning more than school subjects. They are learning to become adults.' [2] After being rebuilt during 1992, Devonport Secondary Modern School was renamed Parkside Comprehensive School in September 1993. Sources:
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