The history of Prior Weston at its starting point under the headship of Henry Pluckrose. Strong links to our current practice at Prior Weston
“Education can only happen if there is partnership with all the people that are concerned with the young child.”
It’s child’s play, or is it? Prior Weston primary school, just a hopscotch away from London’s Barbican Centre, opened in the wake of the 1967 Plowden report looking at early years education. Henry Pluckrose was the school’s first headteacher, a forward-thinking educator who downplayed the traditional 'three Rs' in favour of some new ones - relaxation of bureaucracy and respect for the children. A warning to primary school teachers: watching this could make you laugh or cry…
5 comments
Dan Hugh-Jones - I was there from 1968 or 1969 until I went to William Ellis in 1971. I remember Henry and Rita. One of the many amazing and liberating things was being allowed to call the teachers by their first names. There was another woman teacher there but I can't remember her name. Might it have been Julie? Wish I could remember. She was so nice. I can't remember exactly how they taught maths but they made it into this fascinating intellectual experience, like going on a tour of some beautiful island. Instead of grimly learning one's times tables by rote as I had at my previous school, I started to see the fascinating beauty in the patterns of repetition themselves. Maths became for me something almost physically beautiful and that feeling for it has stayed with me ever since. It was just a brilliant school. If they have an open day, I'd love to go and visit.
Abigail B. - I was a pupil in early days with Henry Pluckrose and still remember him and Prior Weston clearly although 65 now. Exceptional school and start to life and taught me zest for learning and reading in particular .
Gemma O’Connor - I was a pupil in the very early 70’s and enjoyed my time there. I think I can even catch glimpses of myself in the background of the film. It was a lovely place to go every day and where I learnt to play chess in the infant school and fostered a life long love of maths. The other Henry was my class teacher but I remember Henry P being part of the daily routine…(or rather lack of it). It was the ability to do what interested you most and yet learn multiple skills at the same time instead single subjects by rote which stood me in good stead for later learning and employment. I wish it was a form of learning environment my grandchildren could have.
Adrian Tribe - I was a pupil at Prior Weston from 1971 to 1976 and remember Henry very well, as well as some other teachers - Howard, Rita, Margo. What a fantastic time it was, with a style of education which worked brilliantly for kids who had an interest and desire to learn, and who had supportive parents who took an active interest in their child's education, but which wasn't so great for everyone!
Graham Harman-Baker - I was a pupil in the 1960s and found the entire experience invigorating and life-changing!