West Dunbartonshire Council Archives Country/Repository Code: GB597
Catalogue of SR10
Records of Vale of Leven Academy
For further information:
Dumbarton Heritage Centre
Strathleven Place, Dumbarton, G82 1BD
Email: christopher.cassells@west- dunbarton.gov.uk
Telephone: 01389 772147
SR10 Records of Vale of Leven Academy
Identity Statement
Reference code
SR10
Title
Records of Vale of Leven Academy
Date(s)
1884 – 1999
Level of description
Fonds
Extent and medium of the unit of description
Three archive boxes. Context Area
Name of creator
Vale of Leven Academy
Administrative / Biographical history
Vale of Leven Academy is a non-denominational, co-educational secondary school in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire. The school was established in 1884. The original school building, built in 1884, now houses Christie Park Primary School while Vale of Leven Academy has occupied its present site in the south of Alexandria since 1962. In 2002 a fire destroyed one of the school building and between 2008 and 2009 a new school building was constructed which opened for the beginning of term in August 2009. The present school motto is 'Achieving Together' while the previous motto, in use between 1884 and 2010, was 'Virtus Sola Nobilitas' (Virtue is the only nobility).
Archival history
The records were collected by Vale of Leven Academy: SR10/3 and SR10/4 have been transferred to WDC Archives while the rest remain in the custody of the school. Content and Structure Area
Scope and content
The collection contains: log books; school handbook; photographs; building plans; sports records; and records relating to WWI and the school war memorial.
Accruals
Further accruals are expected.
System of arrangement
Items are arranged according to their original order.
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SR10 Records of Vale of Leven Academy
Conditions of Access and Use Area
Conditions governing access
SR10/3 and SR10/4 held in Dumbarton are accessible through Dumbarton Heritage Centre. Remaining items held by Vale of Leven Academy and are accessible by arrangement with the school.
Conditions governing reproduction
Reproductions are subject to approval from archive or library staff.
Language / scripts of material
English.
Finding aids
Finding aid is available at Dumbarton Heritage Centre. Description Control Area
Archivist’s note
Catalogue compiled by Chris Cassells (Archivist) and Steven Kerr (Skills for the Future Intern).
Rules or conventions
Descriptions based on ISAD(G) 2nd Edition.
Date(s) of description
February 2015.
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SR10 Records of Vale of Leven Academy
SR10/1 Log Books
SR10/1/1 1884-08-25 – Alexandria North Public School Log Book 1898-11-25 Burgundy hard back cover with leather corners and leather spine. Gold coloured title on spine "School Log Book". The first few pages detail the instructions for keeping the log book, specimens of such weekly entries, record of changes in the school staff, layout of school building, and an A-Z section. The weekly log details teacher absentees, changing curriculum, school inspections, test dates and general progression of pupils’ education.
SR10/1/2 1898-12-02 – Alexandria North Public School Log Book 1914-05-01 Burgundy hard back cover with leather corners and leather spine. Gold coloured title on front cover "Log Book". The pages detail the record of changes in the school staff, an A-Z section and the weekly log. The weekly log details teacher absentees, changing curriculum, school inspections, test dates and general progression of pupils’ education.
SR10/1/3 1905-08-08 – Vale of Leven Academy Log Book 1919-06-26 Dark blue cover with leather bound spine and leather corners. Gold coloured title on the spine of the book. Metal lock attached to cover. The contents include the title page, dimensions of school and method of keeping the log book. The weekly log follows and consists of H.M Inspector reports, curriculum details, school staff detail, school staff absentees, school holidays. This book is of particular interest due to the record of staff who were on active war duty, the military tribunals of staff, ex pupils and staff members who had fallen in The Great War and memorial services. The book also details illness outbreaks amongst pupils and staff.
SR10/1/4 1957-04-05 – Vale of Leven Academy Log Book 1999-08-17 Black hard back book with black leather spine and corners. The weekly log details teacher absentees, changing curriculum, school inspections, test dates and general progression of pupils’ education. From 17th August 1981 - 12th October 1994 there are no updates. Then updated again in August 1999 for only two entries.
SR10/2 Admission Registers [Wanting]
SR10/3 Administrative Papers and Reports
SR10/3/1 1984 – 1985 School Handbook.
1 volume.
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SR10 Records of Vale of Leven Academy
SR10/4 School Sports
SR10/4/1 Programmes
SR10/4/1/1 1932-06 Athletic Sports.
1 volume.
SR10/4/1/2 1935-06 Athletic Sports.
1 volume.
SR10/5 Photographs
SR10/5/1 1986 Vale of Leven Academy photographic exhibition bound volume.
Contains black and white photographs with the following titles:
Vale of Leven Academy; Christie Park - The Old Academy; Leven Vale Primary; Luss Primary School; Highdykes Primary; Renton Primary School; Bonhill School; Gartocharn Primary School; Muirlands Primary; Vale of Leven Academy; Mr Penny - The Rector; A Careers Interview; Careers Library; The Resource Centre; Dinner Ladies; Drug Education Seminar; Photographic Exhibition; Adult Open Day; A Mature Student; Van Der Graff Generator – Physics; Music Room; A Music Student; Music Class In Tune; Typing Class; A Business Studies Student; Home Economics Student; Comic Strip #1; Comic Strip #2; Comic Strip #3; Home Economics Fabric & Fashion; Cookery Student; Computer Studies; The Fountain; Sheltered Housing; Bonhill Bridge; The Road Network; The Fly Over; The Torpedo Factory; Vale of Leven; Swimming Pool; Alexandria Shopping Centre; Contrasting Industry; Contrasting Housing; Loch Lomond; Balloch Marina; A Day Trip On The Loch; Balloch Castle; Avenues; Balloch Park Gardens.
SR10/6 Plans
SR10/6/1 n.d. Photocopy of Plans For New Secondary School
Plans for new Vale of Leven Academy build at Place of Bonhill Alexandria for the County Council of Dunbarton. Assembly hall, Gymnasia, and workshop block.
SR10/6/2 1959 – 1961 Plans For New Secondary School
Ground floor plans for Vale of Leven Academy at place of Bonhill, Alexandria for the County Council of Dunbarton. Main Classroom, Homecraft and Art wings.
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SR10 Records of Vale of Leven Academy
SR10/6/3 1961 Plans For New Secondary School
Plans for Vale of Leven Academy at Place of Bonhill Alexandria. Main Building, Top Floor Plans
SR10/6/4 1959 – 1961 Plans For New Secondary School
Plans for Vale of Leven Academy at Place of Bonhill, Alexandria for the County Council of Dunbarton. Science block Ground floor and first floor.
SR10/6/5 1959 – 1961 Plans For New Secondary School
Plans for Vale of Leven Acadamy at Place of Bonhill for the County Council of Dunbarton. Upper Assembly hall, staff & music rooms.
SR10/6/6 1959 – 1961 Plans For New Secondary School
Plans for Vale of Leven Academy at Place of Bonhill, Alexandria for the County Council of Dunbarton. Assembly hall gymnasia & workshop block.
SR10/6/7 1959 – 1961 Plans For New Secondary School
Plans for Vale of Leven Academy, Alexandria for the County Council of Dunbarton. Main Classroom, homecraft and art wings on first floor.
SR10/7 War Memorial
SR10/7/1 1919 Vale of Leven Academy War Memorial Notebook
Contains the names of former pupils & members of staff who have fallen during World War One. The book also contains various newspaper cuttings from the arrangement for the erection of the memorial. There is a loose sheet of paper within the book with names of the financial contributors to the memorial. Another loose sheet of paper has the order of service from the memorial ceremony.
SR10/7/2 1919 – 1920 Minute Book
Contains the minutes from the meetings regarding the erection of a war memorial for those fallen in the first world war. Includes a list with the members of the joint committee.
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SR10 Records of Vale of Leven Academy
SR10/8 William Lee
SR10/8/1 n.d. Information relating to William Lee.
Former pupil killed in action during WWI. Folder contains copies of various personal detail and army records, including:
Photo (copy); Scottish National War Memorial Letter; Commonwealth War Grave Commission Information; Copy of Newspaper Clippings; Accompanying Letter for War Medals (copy); Death Penny Certificate (copy); Birth Register Extract (copy); Birth Register Exract (copy); Census Records (copy); Photocopy of War Medals & Supporting Documents.
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SR10 Records of Vale of Leven Academy
PRESERVATION NOTES (Records Unfit for Production) INTERNAL USE ONLY Ref No Condition Placed in Envelope (Fragile; Brittle; Fire Damage) (Yes/No)
n/a n/a n/a
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