roundwood park school
Hertfordshire
With Grammar schools in nearby St Albans, that meant that it was in reality a
secondary modern school although as its pupils reached school leaving age (15 in
those days) it soon became apparent that many wanted to stay on into the fifth
year and take ‘O’ levels so that facility was provided. The school opened with
three teaching blocks – still recognizable as ‘B’ block, ‘C’ block and the hall,
gym etc. where the staff room and offices were. There were three forms, one in
each of the second, third and fourth years and three first year forms, making a
total of 179 pupils. There were ten teachers including the first head teacher –
Mr Arthur Foxwell. The school was organised into four houses – Braille,
Campbell, Grenfell and Nightingale – thus providing a competitive element for
the popular Sports Day and, from 1961 when the town’s pool was opened, the
Swimming Gala. After three years, the school had reached its planned maximum
size but often exceeded that over subsequent years due to its increasing
popularity with local residents as well as those in Wheathampstead and Redbourn.
Now we receive many pupils from the other villages – Markyate, Flamstead and
Kimpton. This is partly due to the closure of smaller secondary schools in
Redbourn and Wheathampstead so that the ‘economies of scale’ can be taken
advantage of, full comprehensive provision within Hertfordshire and also due to
parental preference. Mr Foxwell retired in 1976 after 20 years as Headteacher
and Mr Turnbull took over for 2 years, being followed by Mr Haydon Luke who
stayed for 17 years. Andy Cunningham stayed for 6 years and was replaced by Mr
Nick Daymond who also stayed for 6 years until he was succeeded by the current
Headteacher, Mr Alan Henshall. At various times in between, the Deputy Heads
have held the fort – Mr Lucas, Mr Surtees and Ms Linda Graham – all contributing
to the continuity and stability that have been part of the Roundwood ethos.
Roundwood21There have been many changes over the past 60 years resulting in
upheaval and disruption – increasingly frequent times when the site appeared
more like a building site as a new Sixth Form/Modern Foreign Languages block was
constructed, soon to be followed by a new Maths/Music building and a Sports
Centre. The school is also now an Academy. The changes have not affected the
ethos of the school and Roundwood Park remains the same, continuing to educate
local children in a caring and supportive way that encourages them to develop
their best talents through a broad and balanced curriculum. This article is
adapted from the original produced for the 50th celebrations by Ruth Martin &
Christine Hood. UPDATE On 13 September 2018 Roundwood Park was proud to
officially open a state of the art 3G artificial pitch on the school site. A
joint venture with Harpenden Colts FC, and with a £500,000 grant from the
Premier League and the FA Facilities Fund, it allowed us to replace the existing
grass pitch, which was unsuitable for football during the winter months. The new
pitch is used by all students and players from the school as well as Harpenden
Colts FC, who operate around 60 teams across eight different training venues.
Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust also use the pitch to deliver
sessions for female and disabled football, as well as its use for regular summer
holiday camps and coach education workshops.
