Here are a couple of photographs from the 1930’s* and 1950’s at the Castle School. It is almost impossible to imagine scenes such as these in a secondary school these days.
*Many thanks to Joe England for confirming that the first photograph is actually from the 1930’s, not the 1940’s as originally stated.
Have times changed for the better? What do you think?
Photos courtesy of the Alan George archive.
’40’s and ’50’s. Academic selection at just 11 years old, with the prospect of a second or third class education thereafter. Less than 5% of children entering further education; less than 2% from a working class background.
So the answer to your question in my view is an unequivocal yes. I think a fairer system for all trumps classical dance lessons for the few.
The top photo I’m almost certain is from the 1930s when Miss Davenport was the headmistress. She insisted that Cyfarthfa girls should be recognised everywhere by their deportment. good manners and clear diction. The bottom photo shows Claudia James conducting the mixed school orchestra. A number became professional musicians including Harold Nash (trombone), Peter Hill (clarinet) and David Chappell (violin).
Many thanks Joe for clarifying those details