As autumn begins in the northern hemisphere, thoughts turn to the return to school. For many it is simply a case of picking up where things left off at the end of the previous term. But for those changing schools (and we include teachers here too!) the prospect of new surroundings and practices can be quite daunting.
Many schools, especially privately run schools have opening day traditions. Some may be quite charming such as the carrying of a bunch of flowers to signify a new scholar. Others are a little less pleasant! If you have been through one of these initiation rituals you’ll know what we mean, if not it is perhaps best to leave it that way! At one famous school the new intake of boys are given 2 weeks of grace from being subject to the full rigours of all the school rules. During this time an older pupil known as a “shepherd” introduces the newcomer to the schools rules and requirements.
Being picked out as the new boy or girl is often quite easy. The blazer that is two sizes too big is an important clue. The theory that “you will grow into it” often failed, as it wore out a long time before that happened.
It soon becomes apparent to new starters that there are two sets of rules to learn. The official school rules that will encompass dress code, punctuality, behaviour etc. and the unofficial rules set by the pupils themselves. Theses are more often associated with who can do what. Inadvertently stepping over the line on one of these rules for a new starter is part of the learning process and becoming accepted into the culture of the school. Simple things like playing games at break times in the right place were governed by unwritten rules.
So now it’s time for your dolls house children to get back to school, and with this in mind we have a selection of school related items on offer this month on our web shop.
We would like to thank Carol Argent for the use of the photos in this article. All items were knitted from patterns by Buttercup Miniatures, photos copyright © Carol Argent.