| James Clark M.A., D.Sc., A.R.C.S. |
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Rector 1907-1926 Dr James Clark was had an interest in scientific and technical education. He had studied in Germany and before coming to Kilmarnock Academy he had been Principal of the Central Technical Schools of Cornwall. During his time as rector, he oversaw the opening of Kilmarnock Technical School in 1910 and was its principal. He was also the last rector to be in control of night school education. He introduced engineering to the curriculum of the Academy, an innovation for its time, and was in wide demand as a popular lecturer. The great affection with which he was regarded by his pupils can be seen in the fine portrait of him that was commissioned from local artist Andrew Law and which still hangs in the school. The following article appeared in the school magazine, The goldberry, in June 1908.
Goldberry June 1908 OUR RECTOR-JAMES CLARK, Esq., M.A., D.Sc., A.R.C.S.
Our new Rector, an admirable likeness of whom we are enabled to reproduce here through the courtesy of Messrs. Dunlop & Drennan, is a native of Hawick. From the beginning his scholastic career has been one long and brilliant success. After serving as a pupil teacher at Hawick for five years, he entered the Moray House Training College at Edinburgh , commencing his University course at the same time. Among his successes at Edinburgh were medals in Chemistry and in Physics and many prizes. He graduated M.A. with Honours in Natural Science. After graduating he gained a Royal Exhibition in Science at the South Kensington College , and in his three years' work there specially distinguished himself in Mathematics and Biology, studying next at the University of Tubingen in Germany , whither he went on the advice of Professor Huxley. At Tubingen . he took the degree of D.Sc. with honours, and while on the Continent combined his scientific research with a thorough study of German and Swiss educational methods. On his return to England his remarkable talents for lecturing were employed on scientific and literary subjects on his appointment as a University Extension Lecturer. Eight years ago he was appointed Principal of the Cornwall County Schools, Truro . During these eight years he has shown himself a born organiser, and has continued his scientific research, publishing a considerable number of Natural History monographs. His influence, also, in encouraging Nature Study in that part of England has been most important. Since his arrival in Kilmarnock , however, Dr. Clark has furnished ample proofs that, brilliant scientist as he is, his broadmindedness has given him an equally brilliant literary acumen, combined with an intense interest in and sympathy with culture of every kind. His encouraging words to the Literary Society will not soon be forgotten ; his keen interest in the welfare of the "Gold Berry" is well known and` appreciated ; his anxiety to foster the athletic spirit in the school is as popular as it is praiseworthy. In conclusion, we have every expectatien that that influence which, we are told, has so profoundly affected the study of Nature in Cornwall , will ere long make itself felt in and around: Kilmarnock . TO DR. CLARK-WELCOME! |
