The seventies were years in which the student population of the School really increased.

There were just over 800 students in 1970; 850 by 1971 and by 1976 the number stood at 1063- 154 of whom were senior students.

To accommodate the expansion in the school population, a new library/laboratory building was opened in 1974, older buildings on the site were renovated, trees were planted and a new Partially Sighted Unit was completed.

The biggest building project, of course, was the construction of the Bini Shell.

After many years of agitation for an Assembly Hall, this was the response. The completed bini offered a never-ending list of possibilities for its use and staff and students explored many of them.

Increased student participation was the hallmark of this decade.

The Student Representative Council gave the student population a chance to make a difference in the School in a positive way, while at the same time, providing students with opportunities to develop skills in leadership and attitudes of co-operation and responsibility.

Principal Harry Nossiter probably best described the outcome in the words from his “Panorama” address of 1976, in which he said, “The School has sought to develop the qualities of concern for others, the ability to discern right from wrong, a maturity of approach and an unwillingness to compromise”.

Greater numbers of students participated in Presentation Days, Student Representative Council activities (like the walkathons, organised by the Council to raise money for charities such as Stewart House, the Quadriplegic and the Paraplegic Association, the Interact Club and the regular term school paper.

Grand musical productions such as Oklahoma, and Li’l Abner, superbly produced and directed by Deputy Principal Bill Bryant and music teacher Greg Paterson, were magnificent whole school experiences for so many students and teachers during the 70s.

The School saw the first ever inter-school visit from Springwood High School in 1972 and returned the visit the next year.

This tradition continued well into the 80s and developed not only a friendly rivalry but also a very close bond between the two schools and many good friendships.

Sport continued to play a significant role in the life of students and staff throughout the seventies and Jesmond retained a reputation as a fine sporting school. Team sports, individual achievement and annual carnivals all built on the Jesmond culture.