Memories of Teaching at Hart Road Juniors

Memories of Teaching at Hart Road Junior School – Ellen Scott (nee Robinson).

I worked at Hart Road Junior school from September 1956 until July 1959. It was my first job after leaving Wynyard Hall training College. When I left Hart Road, I went to Cologne in Germany and worked in a BFES school there (British Forces Education Service). 
Mr. Nixon was the headmaster - he lived in West Hartlepool. Mr. Copeman (I think), was a local man and his parents lived at West View where they had a cobbler's shop. Mr. Grant was a mature student teacher (I think), or he might have recently qualified. He was from Peterlee and ran a baker's shop there. Mr. Adamson lived in Blackhall Rocks - he had a bubble car.

In 1959 I had an 11 year old class B stream, with 30 boys and 24 girls in that class!

I began the netball team and in three years we won the local league. We had no sporting facilities or hall at the school. We even had to make 2 classrooms in half of the dining hall. The teachers were very dedicated and were working under very poor conditions with many deprived children. Nevertheless it was a very happy school and we had lots of fun there.

 Christmas parties were a huge affair and the staff provided all the children with a very happy time. We usually went to a bigger senior school for games and dances. We had a talent show, sang carols and songs, had presents and a visit from Father Christmas.  Before that we had set tables in the dining room of our school with Christmas decorations and crackers and made food and brought cakes in. All the children made paper hats and wore their best clothes. They were the best school parties I ever experienced. I learnt so much from the teachers there who were devoted to the school and gave their all to these children. 

Related items :