Nigel "Ursus" Smith
Dates at Bournemouth School: 1975 - 1982House: Avon
| Nigel at school | Nigel today |
Nigel studied: Geography, English Literature and Economics
Nigel received the following accolades whilst at school:
- Member of the Chamber Choir that performed at the Royal Albert Hall
- Part of 1.22, the Form that en masse threw Mr Veater’s ‘fessée stick’ into the copse!
After school, Nigel went to: Lloyds Bank
Nigel's biography:
Worked, met some clever people, got lucky and retired.
What was best about Nigel's time at Bournemouth School?
Several aspects, but top of the list, without having to pause for a nanosecond, is the fact that friendships forged during those 7 years at BS are still very active today and have been a hugely important part of my life since leaving in 1982.
The standard of teaching was excellent.
Who does Nigel remember most fondly?
Mr Webb (Geog) made the subject fun and accessible.
Mr Smith (Eng Lit) reciting long passages from Chaucer – incredible memory.
Mr Mahoney (Eng Lit) passion and enthusiasm for Shakespeare.
Mr Hill (Maths) gave me extra tuition to pass O Level to get into 6th Form – kind, patient and encouraging.
Too many students to name.
What would Nigel change about their time at Bournemouth School?
Trying to conjugate Latin verbs for Mr Spencer!
What is Nigel's favourite anecdote/most vivid memory?
Let’s stick with first impressions from 1.22: a freezing Prefab for a classroom; Ripple tanks with Mr Preston (Physics); Mr Veater’s old car and his unique way of teaching French with a nod to his love of Athletics; Mr Childe (History) breaking into song whilst listing parts of a Norman castle; not grasping perspective in Mr Neame’s Art class.
Nigel's final thoughts
Thanks to all the staff who genuinely cared about their pupils and gave them a solid education and a good start in life.





