I Was Schooled Here From 1961 Until 1968

A Memory of Bridport.

I was a boarder at the convent. I started in the Autumn term before my 5th birthday and remember being put to bed in a large dormitory on the top floor, full of other children with a cubicle for a nun to sleep in. I was scared and crying when the nun decided that smacking me would stop me from crying. Strange that being smacked or caned or being hit with a rod or a ruler feature so strongly in my memory of the place, but it was a regular event for the entire time I was there.

Discipline was very strict for boarders. No talking in bed, no talking in class, no talking in the refectory at mealtimes, no rowdy behaviour even during break times. A ruler or a dowel rod across the palm of your hand was a daily occurrence, and a cane across your hand or legs wasn't uncommon (although it was always worth pulling your hand away at least once). Mass every day and twice on Sunday's, and then twice a day and three times on Sunday's after I became an altar boy.

I remember learning times tables by rote, with the entire class chanting together. I remember numerous arithmetic tests. I remember getting in trouble for finishing tests too quickly even though I usually scored 18/20 or better and often scored 20/20. I remember being utterly embarrassed by being dragged from classroom to classroom and paraded as an example of how writing was supposed to be done. As a shy seven year old the experience was most unwelcome.

The walks to West Bay were tedious, having to hold hands as we walked, although being set free in Woolworth's was fun. The walks on the nearby hill were fun too when we were allowed to run free for a time. Playing football for the school was one of the better activities, especially playing in the primary school final. These are the happier memories I have of the place, but otherwise life there was miserable.

I can't complain about the standard of education though. I was fully prepared for my 11+ exams, and for the entrance exams for the secondary school my parents had chosen for me.

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