Chapter Eighteen

Oldswinford C. E. Primary School

1977 Onwards.........

The History of the Old Swinford Schools from 1977 to the present day is left for future historians to research and compile.

It is at 1977 we end our history of the Oldswinford Schools reflecting on the long drawn out battles against unsuitable conditions whilst the children and Staff made the most of their talents, providing a happy and productive education. ‘It is not the building that makes a school but the children and teachers who work in it’. The environment might be unsuitable but the atmosphere created within it overcomes the shortfalls. I have been privileged to be a part of this ‘Oldswinford Atmosphere’ on two separate occasions – firstly as a Class Teacher in the 1970’s and as Deputy Head from 1987- currently 2007/8. On both occasions I was very aware, on first entering the school, the friendly and secure atmosphere generated and how, even with the occasional disruptive element, the children continue to be responsible, caring and trustworthy – a rare, exciting and inspiring environment despite the increasing plethora of Government Directives, Initiatives, League Tables, Ofsted and Prescribed Teaching Strategies. I can only hope that, with all that is thrown at it, Old Swinford School will continue to generate its unique ‘aura’.

We recognise the research of  Mrs. Mercer [ex Head] and Mrs. Casey [ex Parent]

For Future Historians

The School Log Books are stored at Dudley MBC Local History Archive in Coseley.

Papers of John Harward, Honorary Secretary of the Building Committee, are stored at Worcester Record Offices.

St. Mary’s Registers of Marriages and Burials are stored at St. Mary’s Church, Oldswinford

The School’s Photographic Archives 1900 >, the School’s Video / DVD Archives from 1965 to the present day, the School’s ‘Daily Briefs’ which record the day-to-day activities of the school from 1989 to the present day and other archive material is stored at the School in Field Lane