northleedslife June 2010 What kids in the community are e up to ............................................................................................................................................................... .......... ............................. .............................. ....
56 Younger Life
The Enduring Memories of our Schooldays Having taught in Leeds for 33 years, most of them in Leeds 16, it is not an uncommon occurrence for me to meet and talk to former pupils (in fact a number of them are now Adel parents!).
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When conversation turns to the ‘old days’, they don’t remember my enthusiastic maths teaching or my wellplanned science lessons. Their memories are of trips to France and Belgium, outdoor activity residentials, end-of-year musical productions and concerts, rugby matches in Leeds and beyond, and the enjoyment, challenges and friendships that these activities engendered. I guess the same is true for me as a teacher. I do remember pupils who were talented artists, able
mathematicians, had a flair for languages or wrote fantastic stories or poems. However, memories are clearer of the pupils who performed well on the sports field, who sang wonderful solos, who were natural actors, those children who gave something extra to the school. Unfortunately many of our 21st century schoolchildren do not get the same opportunities that their counterparts in the late 20th century did. ‘Probationary’ teachers (as they were then called) were asked which
clubs they intended to run. Nowadays, teachers have a much greater administrative workload than they did 30 years ago, there are more meetings to attend after school, and ‘health and safety’ has a much higher profile. Whilst school sports teams do not have the comprehensive fixture lists of yesteryear and some of the more adventurous outdoor activities are in decline, I am pleased that there are teachers, support staff and parents too who are still willing to give up their time after school
and at weekends to provide some extra activities for children. I would not want these experiences and memories to be denied to future generations. Mind you, I have to admit that some of my older former pupils do also remember my 1970s fashion statement of moustache, mullet hairstyle and flares!! Stephen Boothroyd Headteacher Adel Primary School