Tower and Town, December 2016

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Classroom Comparisons

After interviewing Mrs Fry, an ex-pupil from St Peter’s, we explored the differences between the classrooms in the 1980s and the present day.

In the 1980s the chairs and desks were made from wood and were often set out in rows. Each desk had a lid that could be lifted and pupils’ work was kept inside. There was a large blackboard at the front of the classroom and teachers used chalk to write on it. It could get quite dusty! There was a large television (often on wheels) and pupils would occasionally get to watch video clips on it. Photocopied work was often handwritten rather than typed.

In 2016 each classroom has an interactive whiteboard and the teachers use the boards in many different ways to deliver their lessons. There are also I pads and laptops to help us with our learning. Each pupil has a mini whiteboard which is helpful for working things out, especially at the beginning of a lesson. The tables and chairs are made of plastic and are often set out in groups. If there are worksheets, they are usually typed and printed.

Even though they are very different, both classrooms have lots of lovely books to read.

Year 3 Explorer Class