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1960-1969

1960 - 1969: A Decade of Growth, Change, and Community Spirit

The 1960s were a period of significant growth and change for Botley School, reflecting the expanding local community and evolving educational landscape. Mr. Willoughby continued as headmaster, remembered by some as strict and by others as approachable and an excellent musician. The school logbook records that on 6 May 1960, the school was closed for the wedding of Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret, highlighting the importance of royal events in the national consciousness.
 

Under Mr. Willoughby's leadership, the school focused on core academic skills, with pupils working diligently on mental arithmetic, spelling, language, multiplication tables, and grammar. The Horsa Building served as the infant block, while the old domestic science and woodwork rooms were converted into regular classrooms. Mrs. Moody took the lower juniors for music and also had a unit for Special Educational Needs (SEN) in the tower. This early SEN provision, unfortunately, was later closed due to funding constraints.
 

Extracurricular activities flourished, with children participating in a variety of clubs, including football, netball, cricket, gymnastics, choir, country dancing, and recorders. These clubs provided opportunities for pupils to develop their interests and talents beyond the classroom.

 

Classroom organization was traditional, with children sitting at desks in rows facing the blackboard. The rows were often arranged by ability, with the "top" students at the back and those needing more support near the teacher. This system, while common at the time, reflected a different approach to classroom management and differentiation.
 

Former teacher, Miss King, shared her memories of Christmas parties at Botley, describing the whole school seated in the hall at long tables covered with ceiling paper. The teachers poured drinks from huge aluminium jugs, creating a lively and somewhat chaotic scene. After tea, the children played outside before returning for a film or entertainment, sometimes provided by the children themselves. These Christmas celebrations were a central part of the school's community spirit.
 

The school continued to grow, and by April 1961, an increase in infant numbers necessitated an extra class in the infant hall. By 1 May, the school roll had reached 498 pupils. By September 1963, the size of the 4th-year classes (51 and 41 pupils) prompted the school to request an additional teacher from the local authority, highlighting the pressures of increasing student numbers.
 

Despite the challenges of growth, the school community remained committed to charitable giving. After an open evening on 14 December 1961, a collection was made for Famine Relief, raising £14.
 

Although many pupils came from Church of England backgrounds, a significant number were Roman Catholic. In November 1963, Father Crozier arranged for religious instruction to be given to Roman Catholic children three times a week during normal assembly time, reflecting the school's inclusivity.
 

Severe weather returned in January 1963, with deep snow and hard frost causing significant disruption. The school was sometimes buried in up to three feet of snow, preventing children from going outside during breaks and lunchtime. On 23 January, Mr. Willoughby's logbook entry described the weather as "worse than ever," noting the difficulty of keeping the school buildings above 50 degrees and the need for children to wear coats indoors.
 

A significant improvement came in the summer of 1967 when the corridors around the quadrangle were enclosed with glass partitions, providing much-needed warmth and shelter during the colder months.
 

Outside the school, West Way was made a dual carriageway in November 1968, requiring careful instruction in road safety for the children crossing the busy road.
 

Sports Day continued to be an annual event, with the Champion House Trophy (Victor Ludorum) awarded to the winning house. In 1968, the Jutes were victorious, with a young Clive Walker receiving the trophy.
 

Mr. Willoughby retired as headmaster in July 1969 after 11 years of service. Mr. Sharp took over in September, ushering in a new decade for Botley School.

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