Craigflower was not merely a school building but a complete educational and residential community. This page documents the academic structure, curriculum, daily life, and facilities that shaped the experience of boys who attended from 1923 to 1979.
The School's Aim & Philosophy
The fundamental purpose of Craigflower Preparatory School was clear and purposeful:
"The aim of the school was to help boys to become self-reliant, self-disciplined and capable of leadership."
This philosophy guided every aspect of school life, from the academic curriculum to sporting activities, discipline, and residential management. The school was designed not just to teach subjects but to form character and prepare boys for positions of responsibility in professional and civic life.
Academic Structure & Schedule
Daily Timetable
The school day was organized into discrete, focused periods:
- 6 periods per day
- Maximum 40 minutes per period
- Short periods designed to maintain concentration and allow topic variety
- Regular breaks between periods for mental rest
Class Structure
Intimate, small-group instruction was a hallmark of preparatory school education:
- Average class size: 12 boys
- Allows individual attention and differentiation
- Enables teachers to know each pupil well
- Facilitates discussion and collaborative learning
Admission Requirements
Entry to Craigflower required demonstrated literacy and numeracy:
- Ability to read and write
- Simple arithmetic competence
- Knowledge of multiplication tables
- Typical age: 8–9 years old at entry
- Duration: Until age 13 (when boys transferred to public school)
Curriculum & Subjects
Craigflower offered a balanced, comprehensive curriculum combining academics, arts, and practical skills.
Core Academic Subjects
- Classics: Latin and Greek (emphasis on grammar and language)
- English: Literature, composition, grammar
- Mathematics: Arithmetic, geometry, basic algebra
- Sciences: Natural science, elements of chemistry and physics
- History & Geography: British history, world geography, map work
- Scripture: Bible study and religious instruction
Arts & Music
All boys received instruction in the arts, reflecting a belief in rounded education:
- Drawing: Taught to all boys (fundamentals and technique)
- Singing: Taught to all boys (voice training and part singing)
- Instrumental Music: Optional lessons in Piano, Violin, or Chanter
- Art: Practical instruction in drawing, painting, artistic technique
Practical & Life Skills
The school included practical subjects that taught self-reliance and craftsmanship:
- Carpentry: Woodworking and practical construction (winter term)
- Dancing: Physical coordination and social grace (winter term)
- Boxing: Self-defense and physical fitness (winter term)
- Swimming: Water safety and proficiency (summer term)
- Rifle Shooting: Senior boys trained with .22 rifles
Physical Education
Physical activity was mandatory and comprehensive:
- Daily PE: All boys did physical activity every day
- Outdoor: Games and activities in good weather
- Indoor: Gymnasium work on poor weather days
- Sports: Rugby, Hockey, Cricket, Football, Golf, Tennis
Staff & Teaching
Staff Structure
The school employed a dedicated, resident teaching staff:
- 5 Masters (senior academic staff)
- 3 Governesses (including music specialist)
- Multiple Matrons (care, health, residential supervision)
- Specialist Teachers: Art, Science, Modern Languages, Classics
Headmasters Through the Years
Leadership continuity was important to the school's character:
- F.G. Wailes — Founder (1923)
- Tony & Veronica Stephens — Headmaster and Wife
- Mark & Nisa Reynolds — Headmaster and Wife
- Mr & Mrs Paton — Headmaster and Wife
- Francis Reynolds — Headmaster (1968–1978)
Notable Staff Members
Many teachers served for extended periods, building relationships with generations of boys:
- Mr Douglas Cunningham ("Noddy") — Latin, Greek, Scripture, History (1957–Closure)
- Mr George Roome — Maths and Science
- Mr Pring — Geography
- Mr Colin Mackenzie — History and Geography
- Mr Richard Alexander Gordon Stuart ("RAGS") — French (1960–1965)
- Miss Petronella Grubb — Junior English
- Miss Maureen Bird — Music
- Mr David Spence — Brass and Musical Instruments
- Mr Seymour — Art
- Mr Danks — Carpentry
- David Symon — Groundsman
- George Duncan — Gardener
Health & Welfare
Health Supervision
The school took the health and wellbeing of boys seriously:
- Headmaster's wife responsible for health supervision
- 3 Matrons assisted with care and monitoring
- Regular check-ups and health assessments
- Immediate care for minor illnesses and injuries
Medical Facilities
The school included dedicated health facilities for ill or injured boys:
- Separate sick wing
- 3 bedrooms for ill boys
- Bathroom with washing and bathing facilities
- Supervised by matrons with medical knowledge
Religious Life
Daily Worship
Religion was integral to school life, reflecting the era's educational norms:
- Morning prayers: Held by the headmaster
- Evening prayers: Held by the headmaster
- All boys attendance required
- Emphasis on Christian values and moral development
Sunday Worship
Boys attended local churches on Sunday mornings:
- Established Church of Scotland
- Episcopal (Anglican) Church
- Choice according to family preference
- Integration with local Torryburn community
Recreation & Facilities
Craigflower provided extensive facilities for leisure, study, and relaxation—reflecting the school's residential character.
The Library (Older Boys)
An important space for older and more advanced students:
- Well-equipped library with books and reference materials
- Billiards table for recreation
- Wireless (radio) for news and entertainment
- Comfortable chairs and sofas for study and relaxation
- Quiet space for preparation and independent study
The Playroom (Younger Boys)
A dedicated space for the younger, junior boys:
- Own library suited to younger ages
- Easy chairs and comfortable seating
- Safe, supervised space for play and relaxation
- Age-appropriate activities and materials
The Big School Room (All Boys)
A common space for all boys with modern entertainment:
- Television set — a novelty in the 1950s-60s
- Gathering place for whole-school events
- Educational and entertainment programming
- Communal activity and social space
Specialist Recreation Spaces
- Table Tennis Room: Ping-pong and recreational sport
- Hobbies Room: Art, craft, and personal projects
- Model Railway: A detailed model railway setup (likely an ongoing project)
Specialized Facilities
- Gymnasium: Indoor sports, PE, and physical training
- Carpentry Shop: Woodworking instruction and projects
- Open-air Salt Water Swimming Pool: Swimming lessons and recreation
Fees & Admission
Tuition & Board Fees
Craigflower was a fee-paying preparatory school, reflecting its private status:
- Tuition and board: 110 Guineas per term
- Payable in advance
- Additional charges: approximately £10 per term
- Additional charges covered expenses on behalf of boys
A guinea in the 1950s-60s was worth £1 and one shilling (21 shillings). 110 Guineas represented a significant expense, indicating Craigflower served families of considerable means.
Entry Requirements
Admission involved both academic and formal procedures:
- Entry form to be completed by parents/guardians
- Assessment of basic literacy and numeracy
- Age requirement: typically 8–9 years old
- Family background and references considered
Community & Support
The school was embedded in the Torryburn and Dunfermline community, with support from local residents:
Local Community Members
- Mrs Watt — Assisted with childcare/supervision
- Miss Finnie — Community support
- David Symon — Groundsman, maintained gardens and grounds
- Mrs Macguire — Community helper
- Jean Lamont — Former Miss Fife, from a farm at Crombie Point
- Rev. Archibald — Local minister, religious support
This extended community—including local tradespeople, neighbors, and church representatives—formed a network of support that made residential education possible and integrated the school into its locality.
The Complete Educational Experience
Craigflower was designed to be a complete educational community. The combination of academic rigor, physical development, arts education, practical skills, religious formation, and residential care aimed at producing boys who were not just well-educated but also resilient, cultured, disciplined, and capable of leadership.
The small classes, dedicated staff, extensive facilities, and clear educational philosophy created an environment where boys' individual development could be carefully nurtured from ages 8–13—a formative period that would shape their characters and capabilities for life.
Do You Remember Craigflower's Classrooms & Facilities?
If you attended Craigflower, you may remember specific teachers, classes, the library, the pool, or other facilities. Your recollections help bring these spaces to life for researchers and future generations.