Dispatches From The Summer Assistant #5: Back to School Exhibition

As people start to think about the new school term (starting on the 17th August) and the Orcadian reports that Tomison Academy has been put on the market it seems a fitting time to have a ‘Back to School’ exhibition.

I am currently preparing this exhibition and hope to show it next week. The items included will cover various subjects including the openings (and closing) of schools, certificates, photographs, an admissions register, a timetable and school magazines. Of course we could not forget Orkney’s great teachers.

If you are lucky you may find an ancestor in our class photos or mentioned in documents. Prior to 1880 education was not compulsory and records created in the last 75 years which contain personal information are not available to readers, however it is hoped that this exhibition will show the kinds of records we have and that family historians may find new sources to learn about their ancestors’ childhood.

The exhibition is aimed at adults and children, giving an idea of how schools were in years gone by. Here is an image of Tomison Academy, South Ronaldsay, showing the children's love of hoops!


If you missed the sport exhibition do not worry, we shall keep a small display in the Orkney Room.