Video 44659-Br-1-120_2 Merrywood Boys.mp4 shows the Knowle West TV identification sequence, followed by a piece on Merrywood Boys School, which was converted from a Grammar into a Comprehensive school in 1972. There's an interview with Mr Davis, Headmaster of Merrywood. He's asked by the boy interviewer about the differences in teaching today. Mr Davis says that with 1200 boys in the school it's difficult but interesting, although more difficult than in the past. Mr Davis mentions the importance of new skills and talents to prepare the boys for their careers and to develop their interpersonal skills. Mr Davis says he wishes to reduce the use of corporal punishment as it isn't very effective.
| Merrywood Boys School (1,200 students). Robert Hosken interviews headmaster Mr.Davis about school uniform, corporal punishment and being a teacher |
| Shows boys smoking, playing activities, such as billiards, and eating school dinners (choice of 2 courses, including potatoes, carrots and peas). A boy narrates over the footage (playback problems) |
| Man interviewing students about the tuck shop and their opinions on the merging 3 schools into 1. Boys came from Connal, Knowle and Merrywood Grammar. The boys say the tuck shop is their favourite aspect of school. They also like the activities. But they prefered the old building and find there are too many students and too many bullies. 'Out in the yard you are put in pens.' There are too many rules at the new Comprehensive. They could have more fun at their previous schools. At Connal there were more cultural activities provided and better access to the city. To make the school better they would like to see their own swimming baths, better gym equipment, a whole assembly. The boys from Knowle prefer the choice of new academic subjects at the Comprehensive as they couldn't do any subjects beyond woodworking previously. But they feel they had more friends previously. And that it should be a mixed school and there should be more mixing with people outside the school |
| Shot of mini coach driving off |
| Same man interviewing different students, with the same questions |
| Student interviewing art teacher. The teachers talks about his sense of responsibility to young people. |
| Footage of art room/ "insight into our school", finishing with footage of boys playing football |
Filmed by Robert Hosken, Micky Dibble, Mark Cooper and Tony Court
References to videos relate to Bristol Record Office catalogues. Original footage can be located at the BRO.
Knowle West TV was developed by Peter Lewis and produced by Jekka McVicar. From 1973-75, programming was made, edited and broadcast by the people of Knowle West and broadcast to people's homes via the Rediffusion cable network. For more information: http://knowyourbristol.org/on-the-move/exploring-co-production/knowle-west-on-the-move/ |
