Page 108 - Through a glass brightly

shaken. Do you remember also Independent Work, another novelty I suspect, when we were taken off timetable for a day (or maybe just a morning) each term and allowed to pursue any project we chose. Deciding what to work on was the most challenging part of that exercise.
The marking scheme we had throughout our time was probably unique too. VG, G+, G, G-, M+, M, M-, Weak, (was there a Poor too?), and oh, the humiliation of a Returned Work, which was then recorded for posterity (or at least for your parents) on your report. I had one of those which I'll never forget. Maths in the Lower Fifth, with I think Mrs Barber (tho it could have been lovely Miss Grimsey). About a week after we'd been taught (not the right word) the proof of a certain theorem, could have been Cosine tho it still means nothing to me, we had to write it out from memory with no warning whatsoever. I think about 75% of the class presented virtually blank papers. I seem to remember that Sue Baker did ok and got a G. I bet Ann had understood it perfectly and came up trumps! The nadir of my academic life!
We overlaid our own gradations on that scale of marks, I seem to recall, so that G++ was very nearly VG, and Good written in full was better than plain G. What odd things we recall, and how our memories vary. Some of the vivid details others of you recall have sunk without trace for me, yet others..... Normally I'm better than average on dates, which is good for settling disputes, but less interesting and amusing than people and places.
How come I have time for all this rambling? - (a) it's raining and (b) I've sprained my ankle, so please forgive my using correspondence as a distraction. BTW Is anyone else enjoying the new Springwatch format, as I am? And the new House Through Time set in Bristol is great too. And Normal People - well, superb acting, brilliantly produced, but who would have known from reading the book that we'd be treated (?) to a sex-fest? (I did enjoy This House too!)
Keep safe everyone, and keep sharing.
From Daphne at 16.08
Have really enjoyed watching the NT live ‘This House’ - thanks for the recommendation.
Re Janet’s memories – yes, I remember Donald Sinden coming. I also loved having
Mrs Traynor as a teacher, as being married and teaching biology, she was very practical and down to earth.
I did not want to go from an all girls school, to an all female teacher training college and then to a probably all female staffed primary school. We did feel a bit second class citizens if you didn’t go to university or college, and I remember us being told how grateful we should be being in the, was it, top 5% of the population. However, I enjoyed a lot of interesting secretarial posts over the years. My early years working in London were great fun - I worked for a literary agent in Covent Garden and at the old Daily Mail where one of my duties was making coffee for Bernard Levin and Barry Norman! It was fascinating being in their office listening to their conversations as it was at the time of John Kennedy’s assassination. I also occasionally got given first night theatre tickets and even went to two film premieres.
I did a teaching course when we lived in Derbyshire and taught typing at evening classes, which fitted in well with my life when our children were small. One chap I worked for complimented me on my spelling and grammar!
I enjoy hearing all your reminiscences and about your careers.
Friday, 5th June
From Glenda at 16.28
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