Figure 1.--We did not find the widely accepted image, of unhappy children stuck away in spartan uncaring schools to be the case. We found for the most part happy children going about the buiness of education and enjoying themselves in the process. |
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The image that many people have of British schools, especially private boarding schools , is that they are very unhappy places to which very young people are subjected. The image includes Spartan living quarters in which the children pine away for their parents and the comforts of home. Also many believe that the children are subjected to harsh discipline, including physical punishment. Thereis also the idea that it is all work with little opportunity to have fun. English literature is full of accounts describing very unhappy childhood experiences beginning with Winston Churchill as well as countless lesser known individuals. Actually we believe that this image was a not unrealistic desription of many prep schools through the 1950s. The schools began to change significantly in the 1960s. Most of the schools we visited were not like this at all. We did find a few schools that seemed less concerned with the needs of younger children than one would expect. The general pattern, however, was quite different. Most schools made a real effort to create a homey, caring atmosphere. One of the most revealing examples were the dormitories. New boys entering a school for the first time through the 1950s found drab, Spartan dormitories. And he would never dare bring his teddy along. The dormitories we found were bright, cheerful places and the beds were populated with not only teddies, but a variety of stiffed animals that would do a good-sized zoo proud.
... otherwise the Old Firm is as successfuly in business as it ever was. I hope too that little has changed in the special Junior family atmosphere. We feel we certainly have a lively, talented and friedly group of pupils in Junior at present.
P.N. Lee-Smith, Junior Wyvern (Queen's College Junior School), 1989-90.
... perhaps the nicest compliment was paid recently by a parent (Stott) who said Pownall was more than just a school; it was a family in the sense of belonging and caring.
The Wheasheaf (Pownall Hall), 1980.
It is the aim of the Headmaster, and indeed all of the staff, to provide a caring and disciplined environment in which a boy will grow in confidence and academic stature, and, above all, be avle to enjoy the most important gift any child can receive -- hapiness. [Aperature Press note: These statements by the school are interesting. The focus here on hapiness we suspect is nor something you have seen in school publications as resebtly as the 1950s.]
Barfield School Prospectus
The spirit of the Augustinian Order is "Caritas", which may be translated as Friendship and Homliness. In keeping with this aim we promote an easy and open relationship between boys and staff. While ensuring that boys are well trained in discipline, our object is to obtain, as far as possible, the family atmosphere of a good Catholic home. In such an atmsphere the boys will learn more easily and hapily. The priests of the community live in the same building as the boys which further promotes a relaxed and friendly relationship. Mass is available daily for those boys who wish to attend, but there is no obligaory attendance at Mass except on Sundays, and the occasional Form Masses and School Masses.
Bishop's Court School Prospectus
The compactness of the school buildings giving every boy ready access to the Headmaster, his wife and members of the teaching staff, fosters a great measure of personal involvement between the boys and the adult members of the school community. That makes it possible for us to provide an environment within which every boy can develop his particular talents to the highest possible degree both as an individual and as a member of the school community.
Brigtlands Preparatory School Prospectus
The aim of the school is to provide a happy, healthy, disciplined society in which a boy can work to the best of his ability and develop those skills, whether academic or not, of which he can be proud. For happiness, the requisites are good food ... , warmth, which means none of the 'heating only after November 1st' attitude, and the sort of friendly atmosphere which is impossible to force but which we are sure does exist here.
Beach Hall Prospectus
It isour aim at Beachborough to create an environment that will allow the boys to look back later and remember their preparatory school days as being both happy and productive. We want them to develop their academic and physical cabilities fully and also secure a firm foundation of manners and a sence of social awareness. Above all, we want them to develop their own personalities as individuals. To achieve this we provide a not-too rigid, yet clearly defined, framework of discipline within which the children can work and develop. Added to this we concentrate on providing sympathetic and conscientious pastoral care which is such an important aspect of boarding school life. Taken together, we are confident that these two aspects are the right ingridients to achieve our aim.
Beachborough Prospectus
"You are expected to find something consructive to do" is a fanous staff saying. The school is situated in lovely countryside and the atmosphere is friendly most of the time.
Nicholas Alton, 13.8, The Bramcote Magazine, Autumn 1978
I arrived at Brmcote in the summer term of 1974 and have flt as if I was a member of a very, very large family. Mr Bowles has been just like a second father, Miss Upson like a nanny. I think the masters have helped me a lot, they gave up their free time to help any boys and organise extra activities.
Martin Rutter, 13.7, The Bramcote Magazine, Autumn 1978
Primary education is the foundation on which a boy or girl's future life will be built. It will depend, in the firt instance, on the parents' choice , and most parents want to see rthat their child is given the best educational opportunities. But what do e mean by this? Clearly we mean academic studies -- small classes; individual and personal attention; good equipment and facilities; and bright, cheerful suroundings. But just as important is the atmosphere of the School: for it is in this atmosphere that a child will grow in confidence; develop the habit of good manners and consideration for others; and learn how to live happily and constructiveky in a family community with other boys and girls of the same age.
The Downs School Prospectus
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