Interview with Ron & Sylvia Titcomb (b.1924 and 1936).
Ron Titcomb came to Milton Keynes area in 1971, appointed the first Head of Watling Way School on Galley Hill. He was enthusiastic about the new middle school age range. He describes the early days while the school was being built, living in temporary accommodation, and visiting many other local schools to meet the Heads and learn about the community. Ron discusses his educational philosophy and techniques he has used, describes appointing his staff and remembers how some of them have developed their careers. He is a strong believer in schools being part of the community: ‘I used to open up the school for all sorts of activities.’ In 1983 Ron became county president of the Head Teachers Association; he and his wife recall a big meeting at the Open University which demonstrated what MK had to offer in education. Ron retired from Watling Way school in 1988 and notes that it was ‘developing all the time’, mentioning the unit for children with learning difficulties, and the travellers unit.
He and his wife talk about working together in Manchester in an Environmental Studies centre, and dealing with the challenge of applying these techniques to a city school in the difficult area of Moss Side. In MK Sylvia worked at Copperfield School, then three years later became Deputy at Brooksward, Neath Hill. She retired early and they enjoyed many long trips to France in their caravan. They also discuss their hobbies, and membership of the City Church in MK. They enjoy the quiet life in Yardley Gobion.
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Mr Titcombe was the head teacher at my school, Walting Way, when I was growing up in Milton Keynes in the 70’s – I always remember him being very tall and strict – an awesome role model
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