I unexpectedly failed my 11plus exam ( I broke a tooth that morning ! ). So I went to the local Junior Secondary School , where they were piloting O grades and spent 4 very formative years, receiving the best education from the top teachers in the school. It was a rounded education not only for the grades but included extra-curricular activities and opportunities. My form teacher gave us elocution, dress sense, first aid, flower arrangements, public speaking, debating, writing, acting and much more. The needlework teacher provided tuition in deportment, personal care, laundry etc. The geography master took us on trips and field camps. The music teacher encouraged us to perform, play instruments, sing .... the list goes on.
Aged 16 I received a bursary to enable me to continue my education at Aberdeen Academy. At this point I must tell you that my former education helped a great deal at this new school, and I say provided education enough to carry me forward to H grades. So at this Academy I was no longer top pupil, but just one of hundreds and I recall the English lessons ( that I'd so enjoyed ) were taught in a very drab and uninspiring room overlooking the city graveyard ! I continued to write voraciously ..essays, compositions, short stories...poured out. However the English master thought my work mediocre and wrote on a few pieces..." No literary merit - Woman's Own stuff ! " Well. I thought ...not too bad really as people make a living from writing such 'stuff ' - not to be sneezed at !So in my box of archives rest some of these writings, still with red ink comments - but I enjoyed writing them and I am proud of them !
" No literary merit " - - INDEED !
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