The Madras College Archive

     


Former Teacher Biographies

James M. Moore M. A. ( - ), Rector
 

The Madras College Magazine for Summer 1915 reports:

The Governors of the Madras College have appointed Mr. James M. Moore, M.A. (Hons., Edinburgh), Headmaster of the College in room of Mr. John McKenzie, M.A. (Hons.), who is retiring. Mr. Moore is at present senior French master at the Royal High School, Edinburgh. He is a member of a well-known Lauder family who have gained distinction in the teaching profession. His father, ex-Provost William Moore, was schoolmaster at Lauder for a long period, and was the Chief Magistrate of that burgh for over a quarter of a century. Mr. Moore received his early education at his father's school, and on proceeding to Edinburgh University he had a brilliant career there. His University distinctions include fifteen prizes, six medals (including the first honours modal in Latin, Greek and French) ; the Scott and Dunbar prize for Greek; and the Rhind scholarship in classical literature.

 

He has had a considerable experience in practical teaching and the organisation of school work. In 1895 he was appointed classical master in Campbeltown Grammar School; in 1899 he became Headmaster of Dornoch Burgh Higher Grade School; in 1907 he was appointed classical and modern languages master in Boroughmuir H.G. School and Junior Student Centre, Edinburgh ; and two years later he was appointed to his present post. He has spent ten summer vacations on the Continent, devoting most of his time there to the study of the French language. When Professor Chatelain was recalled to France on the outbreak of war, Mr. Moore was invited by the authorities of Edinburgh University to act as external examiner in French for the pass and honours degree. He is at present the President of the Scottish Modern Languages Association. Three years ago he edited for Messrs. Blackie & Son an intermediate French course in three parts which enjoys a large sale. More recently, in collaboration with Dr. Ritchie, of Edinburgh University, he prepared a manual of French composition, published by the Cambridge University Press. The Times described it as "the best book on advanced French composition we have yet seen," and the Guardian referred to it as "a really striking and even important work."

We extend to Mr. Moore a cordial welcome to Madras College, and we hope that he may enjoy a long and successful tenure of office in St. Andrews.