The following entries have been taken from School Log Books held at Staffordshire Records Office, cataloguing the effects of WW1 on schools across Staffordshire. In many cases, very little is written in the Log Books that directly acknowledge the war. However, other issues widely commented upon which communities had to contend with during this period, including disease, finance, employment and school attendance, can be seen as being affected by the outbreak of war and therefore on education between 1914 and 1918. Page 229 Jun 25th 1915: The school closes today for a fortnight to enable some of the older children to help in the hay field as there is a scarcity of men. Page 236 Feb 15th 1916: There was a heavy fall of snow this morning only 25 scholars were present out of 35. Feb 18th 1916: The attendance during the week has been very poor. Owing to the inclement weather & floods a good deal of sickness prevails and a number of scholars have been absent. The average for the week is 25.5 72.8%. Page 237 Mar 2nd 1916: Floods out all round; several children unable to get to school & many absent through bad colds etc. The roads are in a dreadful state & rain is falling heavily. Only 15 children have arrived at school, so I have sent them home for the day. Page 238 Mar 6th 1916: In consequence of the cases of German measles the Medical Officer of Health has closed the school from today until March 27th. Page 245 June 30th 1916: The school closes today for a fortnight during the Hay harvest. Page 246 Jul 21st 1916: Extract from the Copy of Diocesan Report. “Good work is done in this little school, though there has been an exceptionally large number of changes among the children attending school, owing to migration of families.” (Signed) H.W. Thorne. Diocesan Inspector. Page 247 Aug 24th 1916: The school closes today for the corn harvest holidays (3 weeks). Page 254 May 25th 1917: A half-holiday was given yesterday it being Empire Day. Page 259 Jun 15th 1917: Have had notice that the Diocesan Inspection will not take place as the Rev H.W. Thorne has been appointed a Temporary Chaplain to the Forces. Page 261 Page 264 Nov 30th 1917: Dr Fausset, Med. Officer of Health visited to inquire about the health of the children. One or two cases of diphtheria have broken out in the village. Page 273 May 24th 1918: Today is Empire Day & a holiday is being given this afternoon. Last lesson consisted of a talk to the children on, “Why we observe Empire Day” & their duty as citizens of the B. Empire. Patriotic songs were sung. Page 277 |