D18, #100WorkingDays Character forming

 After the debacle of 11 plus I went to Southfields School. At that stage I think I was unaware of the last impact the last primary school teacher, and failing had upon me. The 11 plus has been, and remains an area of contention with educationalists and politicians. For me, I believe I was the better for avoiding grammar school and the conformity and competition that’s part of the ethos.

My comprehensive gave me a less intense approach, and with a real experience of pastoral support. It meant finding and making new friends, few of whom lived near me. I have few memories of early secondary days though French lessons, and walking around to the art lessons that were originally at a separate site on Garret Lane. The new buildings were a revelation as we gradually moved into them. A key area was the house block were we went for lunch and assemblies most days of the week. The head of house was an important part of our lives at school. Miss Stevens was head of Blake house leading us with a gentle firm hand. I made progress in most areas of the curriculum though not all were taught to the high standards that some were. 

There was a recording studio and very active drama department that provided opportunities for out of classroom activities. I enjoyed the plays and productions that I joined in. The studio gave us a chance to dabble in the art of presenting plays and musical programs. Interestingly several school contemporaries ended up in careers related to electronics and TV production roles. One time we were taken to meet a sound effects expert at the BBC. He had worked with the Goons as well as many other shows. We spent a delightful time and I can still beat out horses hooves with two half coconuts.So I guess I was growing up and becoming surer of myself. Hormones kicked in at some point and I guess there was a level of teenage angst amongst the years there. Overall I think I was helped to see there were things I was good at. Writing was one and the school magazine published some of my poetry. 

So my character developed and there have been school time friends across the globe I’ve kept in touch with. And as recent school reunions have shown, many of us have stories of our ups and downs at school but ultimately we’ve survived.