BETWEEN THEM they have patrolled the corridors of Auchmuty High for almost half a century, but two of the school’s senior teachers admit that they are excited about the move to a new building next year.
John Montgomery and Ian Thomson, depute head teachers at the Glenrothes secondary, will move with fellow staff and 1,100 pupils to a brand new, £31.5 million complex in August, ending 56 years of education at the current site.
Although constructed just a stone’s throw away on the current school’s playing fields, both men admit that they will be leaving behind many happy, or in some cases painful, memories.
“The first time I came here was when I was playing football as a youngster in 1968,” said Ian. “I got kicked in the head!
“I also remember when the old head, Alex Kelly, offered to be a volunteer as part of a police dog demonstration.
“He played the part of a fugitive and stuck his arm out, waiting for this dog to latch on to him.
“I’ve never seen an animal jump with such force before. I really don’t think he knew what he’d got himself into.”
Ian returned to the school as a student teacher in 1978, joining permanently in September 1993 after taking up a post in the modern studies department.
“There has been a lot of changes since then, but the one thing that has always been constant has been the spirit of the pupils, who have always remained aspirational,” he continued. “They and the wider community really deserve this new building.”
John Montgomery joined the staff at Auchmuty more than 30 years ago, initially as a PE teacher.
“I just worked my way up,” he said, “but the one thing that will always stand out for me is our sporting success.
“We’ve had teams winning national championships throughout the age groups, so it’s not just been the case of having a good batch here and there.
“We’ve also punched above our weight in fields like music and art as well.”
A series of events are being planned by the school to mark the end of an era, while ushering in what is an exciting new chapter in the history of Auchmuty High.
Having been at the school for some considerable time, both men admit that it is the staff who will provide an important link between the old and new buildings and carry the legacy of the Auchmuty name.
“I think the best thing about the school is the quality of the staff,” added Ian. “They always have the best interests of the pupils at heart and, if you look at some of the teachers, many of them have been here for 20-plus years and that says a lot about how much they like it here.
“It’s not a new school, just a new building that we’re moving to. We have to ensure that we take all of the good things from the old Auchmuty to the new one.”
The school is currently appealing to former pupils to get in touch ahead of next year’s big farewell.
School memorabilia, photographs and stories are all being sought as a history of the current building is compiled.
Anybody wishing to become involved in the project is being invited to contact Auchmuty High School on 01592 583401, or by email to auchmutyhs.enquiries@fife.gov.uk.
jowatson@thecourier.co.uk