Margaret has been offered three days in a Reception class.

Margaret adores Reception but she thinks three hours is probably her limit now.

If she had the stamina to do three days in Reception, Margaret says she 'would probably be a firefighter, a farmer or a circus performer'.

Our journey through the alphabet of 'Old School Days' has reached the letter 'M'.

We've been looking forward to this! There are many marvellous 'M' memories - from Magic Grandad (Margaret's choice) to mapographs (my choice).

Here are some Macdonald (books for) STARTERS:

This week's Old School Assembly Hymn is more modern (relatively!) than many of our choices.

'I, The Lord of Sea and Sky (Here I Am)' was written in 1979 and first published in 1981.

This melodic, popular song is based on Biblical verses from the books of Isaiah and 1 Samuel.

Here's a charming TV show from the late 60s.📺

You remember the bear and that boat on the marshes!

We've reached the letter 'L' in our 'A to Z of Old School Days'.

We can think of lots and lots but we'll just share a few to get the list started:
Letterland
Look and Read
Lord of the Dance
and
Lost property

Add yours here:

It's a little hard to know how to express my disappointment at today's news about inspection.

Ofsted says it's listening.
But even IF the inspectorate is listening, the Government is tone deaf.

The childcare & education professions, and the nation's children, deserve better.

L is for Look-in magazine.
🙂

Thanks, Rich!

An old hymn for today:
'For Those in Peril on the Sea'

Hope, not hate

Support, not punishment

Compassion, not judgement

Protection, not danger

This week's Old School Assembly Hymn is 'Morning Has Broken'.🎵

First published in 1931, this hymn of thanks was written by English poet and children's author Eleanor Farjeon. The words were put to 'Bunessan', a Scottish tune which had earlier been used as a Christmas Carol.

With the help of Ed Finch, we recently held our own Ofsted survey, 'Margaret's Bigger Listen'. Thank you to everyone who took part. The responses are open, varied and, at times, deeply upsetting.

We will endeavour to make sure your voices are heard.

We hope change is coming.

Margaret's had half a day in Yr 2. She was surprised to see art on the timetable:
'It's only Tuesday, Geoff!'

Margaret remembers when art was Friday afternoon, when tables were covered in newspaper, children wore their dads' shirts back to front and powder paint filled the air.

View-Master

Launched in 1939 and intended as an alternative to the scenic postcard. Early reels featured places such as the Grand Canyon.

In the 1950s, reels began to feature Disney characters, making them more child-friendly. TV series & movies followed.

What was on yours?

Margaret's been reminiscing about one of her favourite rhymes from one of her favourite books.

Here's 'Daddy Fell Into The Pond', from the Ladybird book of Bedtime Rhymes.

'They cut me down
And I leapt up high;
I am the life
That'll never, never die...'

There could be only one old school assembly hymn for today!

Happy Easter!

This week's Old School Assembly Hymn is another primary school favourite.

'Give Me Oil in My Lamp', sometimes called 'Sing Hosanna' is a traditional Christian hymn, sung with gusto by cross-legged children on parquet flooring.

It's song #43 in your Come & Praise hymn books...

'No expense has been spared to make this rather lovely book a potent nostalgia trap.'

Ed Finch's 5⭐ review for Schools Week

On sale in store for the first time, next week!

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Margaret and I wish everyone a joyful day - especially our Irish followers and all those with Irish heritage, homes and connections!

Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig!

Mothering Sunday can be a joyful day of celebration for some but a difficult, reflective, sad day for others.

Whatever this day means to you, and however you're feeling, we wish you peace and love.

#InternationalWomensDay

Across England's schools and nurseries, women account for:
77% of all classroom teachers;
69% of school leaders;
93% of teaching assistants;
90% of admin and other support staff;
86% of auxiliary staff
and 53% of technicians.

Thank you all!

We're working our way through the alphabet, with our regular feature 'Geoff and Margaret's A to Z of Old School Days'.

Today, we've reached the letter 'G'.

G is for:
Geordie Racer
Gloy
Granny's Garden
Gregory the Green

...and many other Greats!

Add your suggestions here:
⬇️