These following years were years of solid achievement, when the school most certainly consolidated its position as a sound and successful unit within the selective system-a system which, however, was becoming more and more a subject of political as well as educational argument at both national and local levels. For Manchester itself, the final result was that from September 1967, the maintained Secondary Schools were to be re-organised into a comprehensive system, and discussions and consequent changes to this end took place during these years and will be outlined later in the chapter. In the meantime, the school continued along its well charted path, the main outline of which was indicated by the Headmaster in his Speech Day report of 1964, "A school is not an emporium where knowledge and skills are gained and taken away to be used on some future occasion. It is a carefully balanced community which grows in strength as it is nurtured by all its members over the years. Social and moral training must go hand in hand with academic progress. Good manners and a healthy mind are as commendable as intellectual skill. In schools like this we have much in our favour and I hope that we can all approach this coming school year with a determination to do our best to the utmost limit of our capabilities, to serve the school as well as ourselves because, by so doing we serve a much wider community, including this city of which we are so rightly proud".

There were problems. Many parts of the school building needed modernising. In September 1963, the boiler in the old part of the building was converted to oil burning. From September 1965, the school was repainted both inside and out. By 1964 the Geography room had been remodelled and Room 14 in the new extension converted into an adequate Music room. A vital matter, however, from a planning point of view was the provision of additional new buildings. Not unnaturally, this had to fit in with re-organisation plans, but the general hope at that time was that some further land on the Ardwick campus could be used as a site for these new buildings. To this end, three officials from the Department of Education and Science were shown the possibilities by Dr. Laybourn, Deputy Chief Education Officer, in April,1967. During these years, many of the houses, in their narrow terraced pattern, which had surrounded the school since its beginning, began to disappear. The demolition of these brought its probiems, not only those of noise, dust and dirt, but also the removal of many families to new housing areas. Some children continued to travel back to school, but others, because of distance, were transferred. Many other new Technical High Schools had been opened on the outskirts of the city and not unnaturally, in a system of free choice, they became popular. In certain aspects then, Ardwick began to reflect some of the problems of the inner city selective school. Yet it was never wholly a neighbourhood school. Each year boys and girls, from between 40 and 50 primary schools joined the first year, giving the school a large catchment area. its reputation remained high in the esteem of parents, and many entrants came because their fathers and mothers had attended.

Despite the fine efforts of successive welfare officers, attendance declined from its previously excellent level. In terms of percentages, this decline was marginal, yet it was a factor which caused concern, because it appeared to come from casual short-term absence, generally explained but not always convincingly, and usually involving older pupils. It was the beginning of a trend which was, in later years, to become a worrying aspect for Secondary Schools, particularly those in urban areas. On specific occasions, attendance was hit very badly-in January 1965, by a bus strike, and in January 1966, by a minor "flu" epidemic.

By September 1964, the school was 4 stream throughout with a total of 581 on roil, each of the 5 years consisting of between 105 and 120 pupils. The Sixth Form was stable at about 60, providing a steady flow into Further Education not only to University degree courses and Teacher Training courses, but also to Diploma courses in other F.E. Colleges. Results at "A" Level were encouraging and the "O" Level results in 1966 were very good indeed-almost the best in the history of the schooi, bearing in mind the large number of candidates entered. "Mock" examinations were always held in late January and early February, being arranged to include the 1,/, days allocated for the Manchester Scholarship 11+ examination when years 1 to 4 were not in attendance. It had become the practice to release 5th and 6th formers from attendance, for study leave from the period immediately after the Whitsuntide holiday to the end of the examination period, although facilities were available in school for those who wished to work privately, or who were brought in by staff for special classes. The U.L.C.I. Secondary Schools examination catered admirably for the less able 5th formers, but this was only a regional examination and by 1963, pianning began for a new national examination-the Certificate of Secondary Education-to cater for such pupils. In this examination, there was a much greater element of teacher control and subject panels were selected in 1964 for the new board for the region, the Associated Lancashire Schools' Examining Board (A.L.S.E.B.). Schools were closed for one afternoon in 1964 and 1965 for subject teachers to meet in particular schools, Ardwick holding the Art and Craft meeting. Staff who became members of panels, or moderators, were released as necessary for meetings and in April 1966, the first examinations were taken. In theory at any rate, it was estimated that the top 20% of the ability range in a year group would be of "O" Level calibre, with C.S.E. catering for the next 40%. It was obvious that some of the children would take "O" Level in some subjects and C.S.E. in others, and this happened extensively. The C.S.E. timetable began earlier than the "O" Level and this meant that a school was involved in examinations, including practicals, from shortly after the Easter holiday until July, thus reducing the two year course to a five term one. This, together with the additional administrative work, certainly created organisational problems, yet in balance, the new examination increased opportunities. It was not organised on a pass/fail basis; instead there were 5 attainment grades in each subject, to be recorded on the certificate, a poor result (no grade) being unclassified. The results were available to schools at the very end of term while the candidates were still at school. Dual entries- for both examinations-were possible in some subjects unless timetabled for the same day, and although the authority sought to discourage this, it did take place, sometimes for a comparison of standards and sometimes as a kind of insurance for the candidate. One feature of the C.S.E. examination was that a Grade 1 attainment was the equivalent of a G.C.E. "O" Level pass, and publicly recognised as such. Two other examinations were also available at Ardwick, mainly for the commercial groups, who took R.S.A. examinations, and, from 1965, Pitman's examinations. One other necessary examination was introduced. The Northern Universities had a University Test in English for those in 6th Forms who were candidates for admission, and a few 6th Formers took this from 1965. It was particularly useful for those whose main language was not English. School internal examinations continued to be held twice a year, followed by reports to parents. A general feature of the school timetable was that in addition to taking R.l., P.E. and Games, all boys and girls took English, Mathematics, and Craft (apart from Spanish as an alternative) throughout the 6 years, and Science subjects were "strong" subjects in the curriculum.

Minor curriculum changes were carried out to increase opportunities. In 1963/64, Music was introduced in place of Singing for the younger age groups. Spanish was re-introduced at 4th year level as an alternative to Craft. Geology was added to the 6th form subject list, and, for a time, all 6th formers had the opportunity of an afternoon in the workshops or housecraft rooms. This, together with an experimental General Studies course broadened the work of the 6th. Setting in Maths and French began in the 3rd year, and Science from the 3rd year onwards was taught on a three subject pattern-Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. From the 4th year upwards, the whole timetable was based on sets and subject options.

By 1966/67, the subject options for the 4th and 5th years were:-

English (in 4 sets)
Mathematics (in 4 sets)
French (in 2 sets) OR Music with Extra P.E. and Extra Shorthand OR G. & E. Drawing and extra P.E.
Physics (in 2 sets) OR Biology OR Shorthand
Chemistry OR Art OR Bookkeeping OR G. & E. Drawing
History (in 2 sets) OR Geography
Craft (in groups) OR Spanish

In the 5th year, Typewriting replaced Shorthand,but with some extra time for Shorthand. All took P.E., R.l. and Games.

Any such system could not be perfect, and there were debatable points, but the system was on the whole acceptable and effective. Departments often wanted extra time and to try to solve the problem of available periods, Thursdays became an 8 period day, time being gained for this by having form assemblies instead of full assemblies and by cutting down each period slightly, making a 36 period week instead of 35. From 1963/64, the 1st year went into the 2nd year as 4 forms based on the result of two term and two examination marks and this system was used for constituting 3rd year forms. New entrants to the school continued to be allocated to their forms on the basis of the scholarship examination results. There was also the problem of adequate staffing. For 1966 - 67, the 4 stream 1st year moved into the 2nd year as 3 forms, as did the 2nd year into the 3rd year, and this released more staff for options and "setting" and gave more timetable flexibility, although it did increase class sizes slightly in the lower part of the school.

The timetable was a complicated one and in the late 1950's, the school had obtained a large timetable board, with slots for pegs and dividing tapes-quite a departure from the earlier and simpler hand drafted timetable. In earlier days, once the timetable had been drafted out, it was so simple that it was placed in a frame and hung on a wall in the hall for all to see. By 1965, the ideas of timetabling by computer methods were being advocated, but the school did not get involved in any project. The Authority had obtained some teaching machines and the school had the loan of two of these Auto-Tutors from 1964 for an experimental period, and individual boys and girls were able to work through some instructional reels in Mathematics in their own time. Other new mechanical aids to teaching came in 1966, when Audio-Typing equipment was fitted in one of the Commercial rooms and the French Department commenced an Audio-French course for the first year. A television set was placed in the Lecture Theatre in 1965, and in March 1966, Mr. Davies and Mr. Donnan spent several sessions producing a 16 mm film of aspects of school life.

Annual medical and dental inspections for all, special visits by the school nurse, B.C.G. Tests and immunisation against diphtheria and tetanus for those requesting these continued and facilities were available for staff to participate in Mass Radiography. M.E.C. held its annual audit and stock check, which included school meals accounts. A new servery was set up in the room adjacent to the Gymnasium, previously a girls'cloakroom, although dining room furniture was still stored there. In the school year 1963/64, a piece of new equipment arrived-a bright and shining chip pan, which gladdened the hearts of those who loved to sustain themselves by devouring chips on every possible occasion. Mrs Giles, the Canteen Supervisor, attended the obligatory Civil Defence course on some afternoons in July 1965. In October of that year she left to take up another appointment and Mrs Anderson, Senior Assistant Cook, acted as Temporary Supervisor. Mr. J. Taylor, the caretaker retired in March 1964. Mr. Roberts acted as temporary caretaker until Mr. Muiryan took up the permanent appointment in April. He left in September 1965, being replaced by Mr. Barrow, who in turn, was followed by Mr. O'Kelly in January 1967.

Parents' Evenings were held annually for each year group, with the 5th and 6th sharing one evening. They were well supported, although inevitably some subject teachers had more visitors than others. Generally the Headmaster concluded the proceedings by speaking to all the visitors in the Hall. Parents of new entrants for September attended in June each year, hearing about the school, meeting senior staff, seeing displays of uniform and looking round the building. They were also required to sign an agreement for the five year course, but by 1966, this agreement system was discontinued because of legal problems, and instead, parents were asked to register on that evening, or afterwards, indicating their intention to send their boy or girl in Septernber. Each year saw a relatively small number of boys and girls leave from the 5th year before completion of the course, in some instances missing the opportunity of taking external examinations successfully. All schools regretted this kind of "brain drain", and strenuous efforts were made to acquaint both parents and pupils of careers opportunities. Parents had a careers evening each year and on a January evening in 1966, there was a Careers Convention. The Youth Employment Bureau Staff who organised the Convention, also carried on the routine of speaking to groups of boys and girls collectively early in the school year, and then following this up with individual interviews. Mr. Cooke continued to serve the boys well until he left in 1965, being succeeded by Mr. Clarke. For the girls, Miss Knowles, Miss Newall and Mrs Lemaine were followed by Mrs Robinson, who on one occasion brought H.M.I. Mr. Rees with her. Mr. Pidcock the Chief Youth Employment Bureau Officer, came on several occasions, and his department established over the years a most friendly and co-operative relationship with the schooi. The task of correlating all this work in the school was the responsibility of the Deputy Headmaster and Senior Mistress.

The Annual Carol Service was held in Higher Ardwick Methodist Church in 1963, but from 1964, St. Thomas's Church, Ardwick Green became the venue. The Remembrance Day Service, with the laying of wreaths continued on the appropriate day, and the Harvest Festival Service brought a generous supply of fruit and vegetables for distribution to the needy, generally through the agency of the Salvation Army. Sixth Form girls, with Miss Turnbull, regularly helped at the Ardwick Old Folks party each December and Christmas parcels for old folks were prepared and distributed by senior boys and girls in December 1966. In March 1966, a collection was made for the Lord Mayor's appeal for funds for Youth and Community Development, and in November of the same year, Senior prefects attended the Town Hall to hand over £17. 5. Od. for the Aberfan Disaster Fund.

The 5th and 6th party each Christmas was always lively, with good staff support, and the 6th form broke new ground by organising and running a party for the 1st year in 1963. The prefects held a dinner in December 1966, and in December 1965 and 1966 the staff had a Christmas dinner prepared by Miss Turnbull and Mrs Sawyer. The Speech Day Holiday was again added to the two day February half term until 1966, when it was used to close school one day earlier for Christmas. There was a full day closure on 6th July 1965, for the 700th anniversary of the Simon de Montfort Parliament and the 750th anniversary of Magna Carta. In January 1965, morning assembly was a memorial service to Sir Winston Churchill who had died some days before. Normal full assemblies, with hymn, reading and prayers were still held in the Hall, after which notices were given out and any formal presentations made. At the end of the school year, a brief service was held at the end of the afternoon, including the singing of the traditional hymn "Lord, Dismiss us with Thy Blessing". The Old Scholars' Association continued to hold its Annual Reunion in school on a Saturday in November, and a Dinner Dance each March, at various venues in the city. Mrs Corbett (Ann Thomason) was Secretary until 1964, when she was replaced by K. Leech, who held office until Jean Longden took over in 1966.

The Art Club, with Mr. Donnan, Geographical Society with Mr. Johnson and the Literary and Debating Society with Mr. Cornwall, all flourished at midday or after school. Mr. Gay led an Evangelical Christian Union from 1964, and many participated in the Manchester Youth and Community Service Scheme by providing parcels, giving services to old folks and by taking part in a sponsored walk. By 1964, the Library consisted of 4,000 books and a regular supply of magazines, and was reasonably well used. In his 1966 Report the Headmaster referred to another club, "The Detention Club, which meets every Wednesday. It tends to have regular membership but there is really no desire on the part of the staff to add to that membership, applications for which are purely voluntary, but attendance compulsory". The School Drama Group organised by Miss Grier and her willing teams of staff and scholars, continued a remarkable run of success, giving delightful and stimulating productions for 4 evenings each March of "The Bridge of Estaban" (1964); "Hobson's Choice" (1965); "My Three Angels" (1966) and "When We are Married" (1967). "Torch" Magazine was produced each year, edited by Mr. Cornwall, ably supported by illustrative work from Mr. Donnan and the Art Department and distributed free to all scholars. The subjects for the Lord Woolton essay were "The Right Use of Leisure" (1964); and "New Towns or Multi-Storey Dwellings" (1965). From 1966, the prize was divided into a Junior and Senior section, with the subjects "Fascination of an Airport" (Junior 1966); "The Importance of Arts in a Technological Age" (Senior 1966); "Keeping a Diary" (Junior 1966) and "Climate and National Character" (Senior 1967). Lord Woolton had died in 1964, and the school was well represented at his Memorial Service in Manchester Cathedral.

During these years there was no lack of out-of-school activities. Besides supporting the three annual lectures on "Optics" and "Atomic Physics" and the Royal Meteorological Society Lecture, Mr. Hughes and Science 6th heard special lectures on "Computers"; "Colour Television"; "Medicine and Machines" and "Nuclear Power, Today and Tomorrow". There were also special visits to Clayton Aniline Company and Manchester College of Science and Technology Open Days. Mr. Barnett also took 6th formers to a special lecture on "Plastics". There were other special visits for senior boys-McVitie and Prices (Mr. Hughes 1964), Telephone House (Mr. Martin 1965), Whitworth Street Fire Station (Mr. Cox 1965) and English Steel Corporation (Mr. Allardice 1967). In July 1965, Mrs Cheetham took a 5th year group to Manchester Cathedral and in 1967 Mrs Dean took the 6th form to the Assize Service there. Mr. Noble and Sixth Formers supported a conference at Wilbraham Technical High School in 1966 and in 1967, Mr. Booth took his 5th year girls to the Manchester Evening News Offices. The whole of the 3rd year, led by Mr. Davies and 5 colleagues, visited Stratford on Avon in July 1964 and the Sixth Form led by Mr. Cornwall and Miss Lord had an outing to Bronte country. "A" Level candidates attended French lectures and plays with Mr. Cox and a lecture on "Hamlet" with Mr. Cornwall. 30 from the 4th year and 30 from 2A saw the play "'v1r. Wilberforce, M.P." at the Opera House in 1964, and in 1965,40 girls from the 2nd and 3rd years saw a performance by the Royal Ballet Company. Each year the places allocated for Senior and Junior Halle Concerts were taken up by the 5th, 6th and 3rd years. Mr. Johnson, supported by Mrs Dawson and occasionally Mrs Cheetham led several Geographical Field visits each year to the Peak District, Lake District and North Wales, and at times Mrs Dawson took her 6th form Geology group out on special expeditions. Miss Turnbull and Mrs Sawyer regularly took groups of girls to the Manchester Design Centre, Electricity and Gas Board demonstrations and occasionally to Kendal Milne's stores.

There were several journeys abroad. At Easter 1964, the Headmaster,with Mr. Davies, Miss Turnbull, Mrs Leech and Mrs Woodhead led a group of 34 to Varazze on the Mediterranean coast, where they spent 10 days and in that time visited Genoa, Monte Carlo, Portofino and Nice. A 16 mm film was taken, and this was shown to parents later, together with a collection of slides and photographs. At the same time, Mr. Johnson accompanied by Mrs Johnson, Mr. & Mrs Hughes and Mr. & Mrs Rees took a party to Jersey. At Whitsuntide 1965, he led an expedition to Ireland, the party staying at Enniskerry near Bray. Mr. Davies took a group of 29 to Spain at Easter in the same year, staying at San Sebastian and visiting Bayonne and Biarritz in France. The following Easter, with Mrs Davies, Miss Grier, Miss Turnbull, Mr. Allardice and Mr. Thackaberry, he ied a party to Interlaken, covering much of the area visited by a school group some years earlier-Grindlewald, Kandersteg, Lauterbrunnen. One difference was that on this occasion, the party travelled by 'plane-an eventful journey, because a landing had to be made at Zurich instead of Basle. This was the first school expedition to travel by air.