Write up School
Jarrow Grammar School as featured in write up school photo © Track
Photographic Ltd
Chambers of torture or halls of learning? This project takes a lighthearted look at some memories of South Tyneside’s schools; both past and present.
For example, did you know that in 1874 it cost two old pence (2d)
a term to attend Jarrow St Peters school? In order to fight truancy, however,
half the fee was refundable, if pupils attended enough lessons.
Also included in write up school is an evocative memory by Genia Futers, of being evacuated from Jarrow Central School to Crook when the Second World War broke out. A situation familiar to wartime pupils at Ellison School in Jarrow.
Another fascinating contribution recounts playing marbles and 'footer' on the way to Croft Terrace school in Jarrow, a pastime that now seems to have passed into the history books.
Norman Dunn, who supplied many of the photos from his website for this publication, writes his memories of his days at Hebburn St Aloysius R.C. School. This school was also attended by some famous sportsmen, including footballers George Armstrong and Ray Wood as well as runner Brendan Foster.
Funny memories also feature, such as the school children from Jarrow St Bede's school, who were marched through the Tyne Pedestrian Tunnel to get the bus to Newcastle on the other side of the river, because the fare was a penny cheaper! And cookery and drama lessons at Mayfield Girls School, which are still remembered on with great hilarity.
Also don’t miss the rise and fall of Cleadon Park Senior School, the secret of the 'rocking stone' at Cleadon Park Infants and Junior school, the guerilla girl from South Shields Girls Grammar School, how perfection at Perth Green wasn't enough to save the school, the architectural elegance of Jarrow Grammar School and much more.
It is up to the reader to decide, were your schooldays really were the best days of your life?
Write Up School is now on sale at South Shields Central Library, Jarrow and Hebburn Libraries, East Boldon Post Office, Ocean Road Museum, Donahue’s Newsagents in Hebburn and Bede's World in Jarrow. Price £3.99
