A school in Oare will be marking a full century of education this month.
On October 12, 1914, the new school building was officially opened in the village.
Chairman of governors Jeanette Longhurst said: “There had been a school in the village before this point, but it was no more than a hut in the churchyard.
“On one notable occasion the thatched roof of the hut caved in on the occupants and the school was closed for a week.
“Reading through the history of the school there are some recurring themes, which give a vivid picture of what life was like in Oare over the last century.
“The seasons were really important with children being given holidays for haymaking, which was extended to three weeks in 1916 because of wet weather, potato picking in the 1940s and collecting blackberries.
“Gardening has always been part of school life and the new school was surrounded by gardens tended by the pupils.”
Childhood diseases of the last century played a major part in Oare school life.
The school was closed twice in the 1930s because of whooping cough, once in 1941 when influenza hit the village and then in 1962 half the children contracted German measles.
In 1928, 12 children from Wandsworth attended when London had severe floods.
During the Second World War, 36 evacuated children attended the school and the village hall was called into service to accommodate them all.
In 1957, the school became a primary school with the opening of the new secondary modern school in Pewsey but just over a decade later its ranks were swelled again when Wilcot School was closed and the children were brought to Oare.
Inspection reports from the early days of the school reflected its ethos of supporting the children to grow both academically and socially.
After a somewhat unpromising suggestion of a lack of vision in its early years, the first report we have access to from 1929 says: “The school has been attractively decorated and suitable pictures acquired and the improvement seemed reflected in the children, who were brighter than usual. There appears to be good prospect that the school may rise from the medieval position it has rested at for some time.’’ The next few years are likely to see changes too, as Oare School applies to become an academy and join the Excalibur Trust.
The school building has undergone many changes during its 100-year lifetime, probably making it unrecognisable to the earliest pupils.
It has had major extensions to keep pace with educational needs and the centenary has prompted the school governors to launch a £100,000 appeal two years ago for funds to build two extra rooms which will give the children a music room and a room for small group work.
The opening of the new rooms will coincide with the celebration of the school’s history on November 7.
Any former pupils are welcome but should contact the school on (01672) 562256 or info@oare.wilts.sch.uk so an invitation can be issued.
