|
CHILDER THORNTON COUNTY PRIMARY
SCHOOL opened on June 30th 1913 with 53 scholars and 2 staff under the control of the Headmaster Mr.Barker.
Sadly the school closed on the same day due to a serious outbreak of measles.
It was to close many times due to illness in the next 40 years, but the strangest occasion must have been when it closed due to an outbreak of 'brain fever'.
By July 10th 1913 there were 79 scholars on roll between the ages of 5 and 14.
Mr Barker was a strict disciplinarian who bought 3 canes for 3/9d to instil discipline.
During the First World War the children collected 1000 eggs for Whitby Hospital which were collected by 3 wounded soldiers and a nurse.By now there were 120 children at the school.
The main item of interest for the School Inspectors was the condition of the garden and its produce. Indeed, the education of the children was of secondary importance.
In 1938 electric light replaced gas.
In 1945 the classroom fires were replaced by central heating.
The school history is full of the deeds of the boys chosen to fetch the coal from the cellar - now their job was to keep the boiler fired.
Railings divided the boys and girls at play and there were separate entrances for them.
In 1946 school dinners were available.
By 1949 there were 161 children at the school in 4 classrooms .
During the 40's and 50's the school developed a reputation for community friendship and it seems to have been a 'golden' period for the pupils.
In the 60's and 70's the PTA established itself and Childer Thornton seems to have been a focus for the village and its activities.
A decline in numbers in the 80's: 45 at one point has been redressed and currently the school is flourishing with 150 on roll.
HEADTEACHERS:
1913-1937 Mr Barker.
1937-1938 Mr Green.
1938-1955 Mr Wollen.
1955-1965 Mr Hughes.
1965-1968 Mr Jones.
1968-1984 Mr Roberts.
1984-1989 Mrs Bennett.
1989- Mr Powell.
|
|
