Pre-Prep
by Maragaret Vyse

	Margaret Vyse

In the Beginning
When the time came for Headmaster Ian Onslow to find a Kindergarten for his youngest children, twins Victoria and Robert, he had problems to face. Why was it that the local Kindergartens all seemed to be closing down at that time? Ian’s solution lay in the creation of a Junior School of his own, to be built on the ample acreage occupied by the then existing Preparatory School.

Durlston only catered for boys at that time. The new venture would be open to both boys and girls. This was a leap in the dark from the point of view of continuity for girls - would prospective parents give it their support?
 
Nevertheless, in spring 1969, a flat roofed sectional building consisting of three classrooms was erected on the present site. At first only two of these rooms were used for the dozen or so children, mostly boys, but with a girl or two. The finding out of tables, cupboards, fixtures and countless other items were wonderfully crafted by the skilled handyman Mr. Spalding, and much still remains of his work. The rooms were spacious, light, airy and up-to-date for that time. However, a number of people shook their heads. “It’ll never work!” But it did work.

Under the wise guidance and pioneering ability of Charlotte Wass, Headmistress for the first four years of its existence, the little School took shape. Charlotte and her husband, Geoffrey, had previously opened a Cheshire Home in Bethlehem and were experienced in pushing through the impossible and in working on the tightest of budgets.

The Junior School, as it was then called, certainly operated on a shoestring. Staff recall working with few resources and little pay! No piece of scrap material of any kind was ever discarded but turned into art, craft, and display or for dressing up purposes. Petty cash accounts for the early terms are evidence of these economical times.
 
Six of the original intake of children came with Mary Lindsay from her Highcliffe Kindergarten, which it was envisaged would amalgamate with Durlston. However, there was a change of plan during that first year when Mary Lindsay left to start a new school elsewhere. Nevertheless, Jo Andrews, who had a Nursery School in Milford, joined Durlston in the Summer of 1969 bringing her pupils with her. Jo contributed much to the continuing of the Pre-Prep and was responsible for the running of the Kindergarten section. She remained a member of Staff for 11 years before moving north.

Charlotte Wass, Headmistress for the first four years.

Myra Dickens. wife of Durlston’s Bursar, came to help as a classroom assistant. She gave loyal support for a number of years and will be remembered, amongst other things, for her craft sessions - weaving surplus wool on simple wooden looms - many tangles were sorted out and colourful little scarves were borne proudly home. Charlotte’s husband, Wing Commander Geoffrey Wass lent a hand from time to time, initiating some of the boys into the wonders of woodwork - never mind the noise level& He was also a good storyteller and would keep the children enthralled during the after lunch quiet time.
 
I (Margaret Vyse) joined the Staff in Autumn 1969, as an assistant teacher with a previous qualification in Social Science (Child Care). By Spring 1970 all three classrooms were fully operational with pupils divided into specific age groups. By the end of the first year there were about thirty pupils with three teachers and a classroom assistant. Being the dedicated person that she was, Charlotte Wass soon put structure and purpose into the day-to-day running of things.

She loved children and had sparkle and magnetism that immediately drew- both children and their parents. From the start there was a warm and loving atmosphere in the new school, creating an ambience that has endured throughout the years and has been remarked upon so often.

The Right Name
In the first year or so the school was known as the Junior School. When a heading was needed for Report Forms I remember saying to Charlotte, “Why don’t we call it the Pre-Preparatory Department; after all, that is its function:’ And so it came to be called. It was certainly the first purpose built school of its type in the area and the first to be known as a Pre Prep. I believe this to be a modest claim and that Durlston Court Pre-Prep was possibly a “first” in a much wider area. This creation of a Pre-Prep for both boys and girls triggered off a significant change to the development of Prep Schools. Their doors would eventually be open to girls as well as to boys. At that stage, the first girl of age to move on had no option but to transfer to a local girls school.

Early Uniform
I cannot let the history of the Pre-Prep pass without taking a look at the early uniform. The mention of this brings a smile, (possibly a shudder), to a number of faces, not least to Sandy MacLaren. that long-suffering Pre-Prep dressmaker.

Sandy had been matron at the Senior School. How were we to kit out the girls? No problem with the boys because they adopted the existing uniform, caps and all. Charlotte, with Marjorie Onslow settled on a simple grey tunic worn with a white, crew neck sweater. For winter warmth there was a grey and white dogtooth check cape with hood, lined with white and bound with white braid. They all looked both splendid and distinctive but were not the most practical of garments for young ladies of Pre-Prep age.

These capes, all made by Sandy, were not without the nightmare factor! Sandy writes “Making the girls’ school capes from a photograph on the centre page of a pull-out section of a magazine seemed a good idea at the time. Each one had to be individually made to fit. Girls come in different shapes and sizes and my machine was very basic, and so was I - so buttonholes all had to be bound by hand, and this was very time consuming.”

Tunics and summer dresses and overalls were all made by Sandy. The summer dresses were of grey linen with decorative white laces threaded through eyelets from the neck - wonderful for chewing! With hindsight, it can be seen what a stalwart part Sandy played in helping to get things off the ground. No wonder there were sighs of relief when girls eventually became an integral part of Durlston and the uniform could be unified and purchased through the school outfitter.

I feel it is appropriate to mention here that the MacLaren family can probably claim the longest continuous association with Durlston. In the 1960s Sandy (nee Stewart) was assistant matron at the Prep School; in the 1970s daughters Fiona and Lizzie entered the Pre-Prep. followed by Tim in the 1980s; then grandchildren in the 1990s with youngest grandchildren entered up to 2003! In addition Peter, Sandy’s husband, provided and worked lights for Christmas productions and Fiona became a much respected teacher in the Pre-Prep. How’s that for a record?

More room is needed
Further building took place in 1971 when the original sectional builders were called in to add the Kindergarten Hall. This was connected to the original block by an office, Kindergarten loos, a kitchen and entrance hall, all still with a flat roof. Although more recent building development has brought about considerable reorganisation, that entrance hall became an all-purpose focal point for more than twenty years. Jo Andrews and the Kindergarten moved to the wide-open spaces of the Hall. three-year old children were admitted, all were regrouped and Rosemary Berman took charge of the youngest children.

With an on-site office, Anne Paddock became School Secretary and matron, rapidly becoming indispensable to children, staff and parents alike. I wonder how many cups of coffee Anne dispensed to tearful Mums who delivered their children on the first ever day at school! Also, dozens of plasters were administered to grazed knees and elbows. Anne remained a vital part of the Pre-Prep over many years. I greatly valued her loyal support and efficiency. We were all saddened by her recent death (2002). Anne was followed by Sue Foan who also helped in the Kindergarten.

She was a competent and hard working member of Staff with a keen sense of humour whom I remember for the many laughs we had together Sue left at Easter 1990 to take up a training course and was succeeded first by Claire Hannaford and then by Sue Nay!or, a parent who was dedicated to the success of Durlston and whose untimely death in 2001 grieved us greatly.

Life in the Classroom
From the start the Pre-Prep curriculum was based on the 3-Rs with a generous helping of music, singing, art, craft, sports and games. Books, schemes of work and equipment were acquired steadily. It must be appreciated that there were no existing schools of the same type on which to model ourselves or from which to gather ideas. By present day standards and with the teaching support and materials now available, the early Pre-Prep teaching was rather formal. The atmosphere, however, was always relaxed and full of humour. The children wore extended but never pressurised. Life was happy.

Widening Horizons
A liaison with the Prep School soon developed, particularly with the Reverend Peter Yerburgh, who became a lasting and valued friend to the Pre Prep until his retirement in July 1993. He regularly took the Friday morning Assembly and led the end of term Chapel Services and Harvest Thanksgivings. Both of these were devised in the Pre-Prep and involved the children in songs and readings.

The memory of Peter receiving daffodils into a huge shallow basket still conjures up a wonderful fragrance of mind. Staff eventually had the benefit of attending courses at the local Teachers’ Centre. Structured schemes of work were introduced in all areas of basic learning. Margaret Poole of the New Milton Dancing Academy and various members of her Staff visited weekly for ballet, music and movement for every class.