Red Deer Composite High School - Yearbook (Red Deer, Alberta Canada)

Page 84 text:

86 The Composite High School By MR. W. B. DAWE Not many years ago the Alberta high schools concentrated their efforts on pre¬ paring students for the University, and in fulfilling this function most schools obtain¬ ed very good results. They succeeded in preparing young people for professional training, or for teaching, but these traditional schools had one very serious weak ness. Because not over five per cent of the people could possibly hope to earn their living in professional lines, the majority of boys and girls would have to seek employment in other fields. Many would become mechanics, clerks, salesmen, factory workers, farmers. In high school could not something more be done for these students? Gradually the need was recognized, and small changes were introduced. Students destined for the business world were allowed to spend at least a short time each day in commercial work. Boys might take Manual Training and make table-lamps or picture frames, while girls could study Household Economics. However, except in Western Canada in Calgary, the vocational field was very limited. Then three years ago, in this area, a great step forward was made with the opening of the Composite School. How does this school differ from the conventional ones? In the first place it differs in size, because this is the largest rural high school in the province. In the matter of floor space the school, dormitories and shops have an area of just a little less than three acres, or about 125,000 square feet. There are 541 students, the boys outnumbering the girls by 286 to 255. In the majority of high schools the girls out¬ number the boys by a very considerable margin. Therefore, the enrolment figures are convincing proof of the popularity of the new courses. In the second place this school offers a student the greatest scope in the selection of hjs courses. He may choose training in commercial work of many kinds, auto¬ motives, agriculture, wood and metal work, and in electricity. Girls have a wide choice of subjects in the household economics department. A full-time music instructor is employed, and even pianos are available right at the school for practice during school hours. It should be stressed that the wide variety of vocational courses does not curtail the academic program. A student may secure complete matriculation here. A third outstanding feature of the school is the dormitory. At the present time living accommodation is provided for 315 boys and girls. Other than in the University residences, this is the largest student-dormitory population of any place in Alberta. A fourth unique feature of the school is the semester system, adopted on an ex¬ perimental basis for the 1949-50 school year. This system permits a student to study a limited number of subjects intensively for about three months, the student receiving credit at the end of each semester or the courses successfully completed. Although it is too early to form a verdict on the semester system, the plan has proved popular with the students, enabling about eighty young people, who would otherwise have missed school completely, to attend for at least one semester. As a test of the Composite School let us look forward ten years to an evening in the home of a young couple who are graduates of the class of 1950. The husband hurries home from work to the spotless cottage (Homemaking I), and to hjs well- dressed wife (Fabrics and Dress II). He has had a hard day at the garage (Automotive III), but his brother from the country has brought a present of three dozen eggs (Animal Science I), and although Junior may have scratched the furniture, Father knows that it can be repaired (Woodworking I). In fact he does not even fear the job of wiring a new porch light (Electricity II). Of course Father really has no fears about Junior, who will probably be sound asleep in his spot-welded crib (Metal II), and even if the youngster is awake, Mother will have him well under control (Psychol¬ ogy I). At supper Father and Mother discuss matters without Junior understanding them (French III), and even though Mother occasionally splits an infinitive, it does not anger Father, because he realizes that she knows better (English II). Seriously, though, the success of school is measured by the school spirit developed. In this regard the Composite School stands second to none.

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CAMPUS CAPERS 1. Charmed, I’m sure! 2. The Star Curling team. 3. Time Marches On. 4. Oh, for a Turkish Bath. 5. When the boys were banned from the girls’ dorm. 6. Which view is better? 7. Going home? 8. Whew-whew! ! 9. B.G.L. 10. Lover boy. 11. Kiss me liver-lips, nothing makes me sick. 12. What’s this world coming to? 13. Making love, country style. 14. Which is which? 15. Under the B.13. 16. Serenadin’ my lady. 17. There’s snow in Vancouver too.

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BOYS ' SHOPS . .. The shop courses are fundamentally wood, metal, auto, mechanics, electricity and drafting. The drafting is closely related to the subject being taught. Each instruc¬ tor does the drafting pertaining to his subject. All students are taught the selection and use of drawing equipment; geometric construction, lettering, arthographic pro¬ jection and sections; working drawing and pictorial representation. A student is entitled to take three years in any of the shop courses. Woodworking includes a study of the care and use of common woodworking tools. Emphasis is placed upon correct procedures in the fundamental tool operation. Students are given training in more advanced machine operations. Emphasis is placed on millwork, including the making of doors, frames, sash, and stair work, and the application of builder’s hardware. Emphasis is also placed upon methods of construct¬ ing frame buildings and applying trim and roof construction. METAL WORK Metal work includes machine shop, sheet metal, forging and welding. The courses give fundamental experience in metal. The bench work covers processes at the bench and soldering. The Machine Shop course gives general practice on the engine lathe, shaper and milling machine giving fundamental information and experiences on processes and operations. Practical problems are assigned and the instruction is largely individual so that the needs of the particular student may be met. Welding- Gas and electric welding and cutting equipment and methods. Practice is given in heat treatment of steels. Forging Students are given instruction in handling the forge fire and the tools of the forge shop in shaping of steel. Sheet Metal A basic course in covering the fundamental details of sheet metal work. Practice is given in the laying out of patterns and the making of same. AUTO MECHANICS This course takes up a detailed study of all parts of the automobile—the engine, valve timing, carburetion, etc. Practical work is given on frames, axles, transmissions and engines. The work consists of complete disassembling and assembling of standard systems, with practice in valve timing, fitting of rings and bearings, adjustment of carburetors, etc. Students receive practical garage experience in overhauling and repairing cars. Apprenticeship recognition may be given year for year of any auto courses taken.