Chalvedon was one of about eight 11-18 years comprehensives built in the 1950s and 60s to serve Basildon New Town. From memory, it had about 1,200 students and seventy or so teaching staff with a head teacher and a couple of deputies. It wasn't very well run, the staff constantly complaining about the lack of disciplinary support from senior staff. This annoyed me so, within a short time, I was elected school representative for the NAS/UWT and, because I was prepared to talk to the head about things he didn't want to hear, the union's membership quickly increased.
I was appointed to the Geography and Geology Department but discovered that another teacher had also been appointed to teach geology, so Brian and I shared the lessons and I filled my timetable with maths and, for the first time, geography. I had also been promised a scale post - which meant an increase in salary - which did finally happen, after my post had been made permanent and following a bit of pressure.
The department had a head of department, Mark, and four teachers. We worked hard, it was a good department, we stuck together, and all this helped with the very considerable disciplinary problems. Our rooms were on the top floor and I remember one day being called in to Mark's classroom to help him - to find a small boy outside the window threatening to jump. We persuaded him back in.
Chalvedon served the east end of the town, the end which housed some of the more 'difficult' families. Many of the kids weren't interested in school, often skipping classes to work, for example, in the big Pitsea open market. They were light-fingered, didn't do their homework, could be rude and devious, and drove me up the wall. By the time I had been there a term I was ready to leave, so began applying for jobs. I was prepared to go anywhere, even Wales, where I applied for a geology post at Pembroke Dock, and didn't get it. As the school year 1975/76 drew to an end I had to face the grim prospect of returning to Chalvedon in the autumn.
I find this somewhat hard to believe, as I was there during the years 81/86 and apart from normal problems you got in all school's it was worse. I took Geology and Geography and both subjects were well attended and discipline was hard. Dr Day being famous for it, and Mr Jones as well. So great field trips to Jurassic coast and the Midlands.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment, David. Chalvedon went through a bad time in the early 1970s. The year before I joined the staff the school was 5 teachers short and was sending pupils home in relays - which is one reason why the appointed me from Jamaica without an interview. If you read the posts that follow this one you will see that things got better - for a start, teacher's were given a massive pay rise which encouraged graduates to join the profession. The field trips to Dorset and Shropshire were introduced by me. And I did know, before I left Essex in 1996, that Chalvedon was hugely improved. Jon
ReplyDeleteI joined Chalvedon as an NQT and taught geography there between 1978 and 1981. As the only female member of the department I went on all the field trips to the Jurassic Coast, Hastings and Yorkshire. It was a tough introduction to teaching but I have fond memories of the staff and students.
ReplyDeleteI remember you! I cant remember your name but it may come to me. You were my geography teacher and I went to Hastings, one of the best trips ever. I have a photo of you and group of girls. I loved geography and should have continued with it, I was in the CSE class and had the top score in my year already gaining enough points to get my CSE 1 without taking the exam. It was a tough school and going on to FE was never really an option for most of us sadly. I left in 1980 and had fond memories of Chalvedon. Mandy nee Peters
DeleteWas the teacher Helen Scales?
DeleteI was at chalvedon betweem 80-85 even tho we bunked school went on strike n even egged the teachers on the final day of school i found all the teachers could take the stick from us and some found us funny n enjoyed our pranks
ReplyDeleteI spent 1971-1974 teaching at Chalvedon. It was certainly a topugh school with a substantial turnover of staff. I had spent 12 years soldiering in various parts of he world before teacher training. In addition I was born and raised in the back streets of East London from where most people of Basildon had also originated. It took me a year to establish myself in the school with much assistance from more experienced colleagues, Geoff Nassh (Head of Geography) John Sayers (Head of History Peter Worral (Dep Head) Bob Allen (Head of English). I had a number of friends in particular Fred Prior who remained a close friend until he sadly died last year. In my first year I taught just about every student, every subject in every room. The following two years were the best in a long career, I moved to Yorkshire on promotion and in terms of jobsatisfaction it was my biggest mistake. I probably learned more than I taught at Chalvedon, especially in my first year. Good luck
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DeleteI remember the teachers mentioned Mr prior was a good teacher i remember him blowing up a science project couldn't use the classroom for a while
DeleteI don't remember any teachers being disliked
I enjoyed my time there 72-78 ish, until the last year you could choose subjects I didn't get many chosen ones so would register in then leave school to work
Just found this blog. Brings back many memories. I was in Mr Priors afterschool chemistry class when he was showing us the effects of gunpowder. He had a large mortar and pestle full of it. We were putting tiny amounts onto pieces of paper and lighting them. Unfortunately some sparks flew into the mortar bowl and up it went, like a massive roman candle, all of us running and diving on to the floor. Fred Prior standing there in disbelief. Good Times. PS. Fred Prior was a great teacher who made classes interesting and enjoyable. Never forgotten. RIP Sir.
DeleteMany thanks for the recent comments. I agree with 'Unknown' that I leaned more about how to teach in my years at Chalvedon than in any other post, so they stood me in good stead. So sorry to hear that Fred has died: In the later post 'Surviving at Chalvedon', there's a photo of him. And, yes, Dazza, I think most staff who learned how to survive in the school had a great affection for their students. Jon
ReplyDeleteGod I was there in about 1978. Didn't like it, left after 5 terms Left teaching and never regretted it.
ReplyDeleteAnyone remember a geology teacher - Mr Vincent. I was a pupil in late 70's-early 80's. He was my form tutor.
ReplyDeleteI remember Mr Vincent though never had him for any lessons ... I left there in 78 . Other form tutors and teachers I remember are Mr Terry Coster 1st form tutor , Mrs Adams , Mrs Edwards ... Stunning lady .... Fred prior ,David Campos , Mrs Heald and Mr Pinnock ,Mr Ford was head at the time... Any of these names ring any bells ?
DeleteI remember all these names. I started school in about 1977, my first year form tutor was a Mr Mantz…..one of the best teachers ever. I then had Mr Vincent as form tutor for my remaining time at Chalvedon……and he was an amazing teacher too.
DeleteThe following Anonymous comment has been edited: "This school was a terrible place in the 90s as well. I attended this school as I moved from Canvey. The children made my life a misery, I hated every moment and I suffer depression and anxiety now because nothing was done about them."
ReplyDeleteI went to the school when it first opened. The headmaster was Mr Ford and, I think biology teacher was Mr Bayne, Mr Smith Metalwork teacher. I moved to Kent, a few fellow pupils were Linda Blois, Laurie Zimmer, Kevin Brockwell, Susan Connolly , Tony Gafga, etc. I had a real crush on Susan but was too frightened to tell her! Great Days.
ReplyDeleteI attended Chalvedon from1974 to 1979. I really enjoyed my time there. I loved sport and attended every school club going. Drama was a favourite, think Mr Marsden organised school productions. Really loved geography and history and had good teachers. Maths with Mr Gutteridge a strict but good teacher. Think Chalvedon helped me to secure a very good job in HR in London and then work for myself. Only fond memories. Met some wonderful people in my various classes.
ReplyDeleteI was a denizen of Chalvedon from ‘71 until ‘76. Fair to say that my older brother would have one of the more ‘challenging’ individuals. I can’t say I really enjoyed my time there, but tbh that’s on me, not the teachers, most of whom I have fond memories of. I found this blog whilst idly looking for something on Dave Campos.
ReplyDeleteI guess I did OK. Most of my working life was as an engineer with the BBC, with short detours in the health service, publishing, manufacturing and IT along the way.