Cedars Upper School have paid tribute to former teacher Jim Hunt, stating that his pioneering work in engineering, carpentry and metal work has left the school with an exceptional legacy.
Jim led CDT (Craft Technology and Design) at Cedars in the 1980s and 90s, and was highly respected for his skills in engineering, wood and metal work.
A school spokesman said: “He believed that teaching craftsmanship to young people – boys in particular – was not only desirable but essential both as an absorbing joy and as entry to the world of work.
“Jim had welcomed the new, developing, electronic technology and indeed warmly embraced computer-assisted design, but was totally against local authorities encouraging schools to sell-off their CDT equipment – lathes, milling and welding kit and other precision tools – which were seen as superfluous in the burgeoning digital age.
“This grand sell-off contributed to the decimation of UK craftsmanship and a scarcity of teachers; apprenticeships became rare. Jim fought hard and prevented the sale of the school’s CDT industrial hardware.
“Today, Cedars is effectively the only school in Bedfordshire to retain its original, much sought-after tooling and equipment, which students not only continue to learn on and operate, but which have been at times upgraded and modified, making the school’s Design Technology department a centre of industrial skills excellence; Cedars students work closely with local and national businesses and manufacturers.
“Jim then went on to oversee Cedars £4.2 million new build which includes the Raven Theatre and a progressive and stylish atrium and sixth form block.
“Jim’s DT colleagues remember his particular skills as being ‘the best they ever came across’. He was held in the great esteem and his legacy gives today’s students the chance to study craftsmanship at a level sadly no longer available in most schools. Jim finally became the Exams Officer, presiding over Cedars accredited exam centre which continues to this day to pass every unannounced HMI visit with flying colours.”
Jim leaves a wife, Jacqui, and two sons, Philip and Richard who enjoyed many years of family holidays on a narrow boat and in a camper van both reconstructed by Jim.