25 June 2008 / Former Teacher's Memories Prove An Eye-opener
Laura Snapes, from Ponsanooth, Sussie Moran, from Lelant and Katy Young, from Truro, listened intently as Sheila Murphy shared her many happy memories of the school.
But it was her details of more everyday life, particularly changes in the teaching profession, which caused the greatest interest.
"When I joined the school in 1954 there were only two men and three married women on the teaching staff," said Miss Murphy. "It wasn't really the done thing for married women to work in those days so the majority of teachers were female and single. We also had to live in Truro - so I had to move from my home in Hayle and rent. That was expensive - especially as women didn't enjoy equal pay then. It took seven years before our salaries were the same. I earned £34 a month and thought I was in clover!"
Miss Murphy,77, spent 32 years at the school in a number of roles, including Head of the Mathematics Department, Head of Careers and Deputy Head before taking the role of Acting Headmistress. She retired in 1986.
Although a good deal younger than Miss Murphy, the reminiscences being shared prompted stories from Katy Young, BBC Radio Cornwall's Breakfast Producer, who was a boarder and became Deputy Head Girl in the nineties.
'I loved my time at the school,' she said. 'We were never pushed but we were encouraged and the teachers really cared about us. It was like being part of a family and that feeling still exists today.'
Katy was particularly amazed by the school's new boarding facilities which are due to open in September.
'I thought boarding here was great but the new boarding house, with its en-suite shower rooms is incredible. Definitely a huge improvement although I have to say we still had fun even if our rooms weren't quite as nice.'
Regardless of the changes over the past decades what has remained constant is the affection shown for the school by its pupils. Laura and Sussie both spoke of the close knit community environment and Katy was keen to speak of the innovative teachers who, she said, made her education such a joy.
It is this long lasting affection which former pupils like Katy, Sussie and Laura hope will attract all Truro High School leavers to register on the newly launched Alumni website, and attend the Alumni reunion at the school on 21st June. For more information, visit the new website: www.trurohigh.co.uk/alumni
But it was her details of more everyday life, particularly changes in the teaching profession, which caused the greatest interest.
"When I joined the school in 1954 there were only two men and three married women on the teaching staff," said Miss Murphy. "It wasn't really the done thing for married women to work in those days so the majority of teachers were female and single. We also had to live in Truro - so I had to move from my home in Hayle and rent. That was expensive - especially as women didn't enjoy equal pay then. It took seven years before our salaries were the same. I earned £34 a month and thought I was in clover!"
Miss Murphy,77, spent 32 years at the school in a number of roles, including Head of the Mathematics Department, Head of Careers and Deputy Head before taking the role of Acting Headmistress. She retired in 1986.
Although a good deal younger than Miss Murphy, the reminiscences being shared prompted stories from Katy Young, BBC Radio Cornwall's Breakfast Producer, who was a boarder and became Deputy Head Girl in the nineties.
'I loved my time at the school,' she said. 'We were never pushed but we were encouraged and the teachers really cared about us. It was like being part of a family and that feeling still exists today.'
Katy was particularly amazed by the school's new boarding facilities which are due to open in September.
'I thought boarding here was great but the new boarding house, with its en-suite shower rooms is incredible. Definitely a huge improvement although I have to say we still had fun even if our rooms weren't quite as nice.'
Regardless of the changes over the past decades what has remained constant is the affection shown for the school by its pupils. Laura and Sussie both spoke of the close knit community environment and Katy was keen to speak of the innovative teachers who, she said, made her education such a joy.
It is this long lasting affection which former pupils like Katy, Sussie and Laura hope will attract all Truro High School leavers to register on the newly launched Alumni website, and attend the Alumni reunion at the school on 21st June. For more information, visit the new website: www.trurohigh.co.uk/alumni