Some things that will be familiar Suzanne and A Sparks are in another extract below. I wrote this some years ago about the school layout and its features. But not sure how much of this has since survived as we know some (if not all by now) has probably been demolished. But when the school was built, it would have been a typical example of a state of the art, 1950/60s school building.
It was a modern school, designed and equipped to a high standard. The whole school was originally broadly 'T' shaped, although later aerial views show additional buildings. On approaching the wide, main entrance to the building you'd notice a small frieze on the exterior wall to the right of the entrance. I only vaguely remember this frieze, despite passing it every day, but it probably symbolised what Marsh Hill Girls' was all about. Carved on it were various measuring and scientific instruments, so the scientific emphasis in the curriculum must have been important. It certainly was for me, although languages were, to me, far more interesting.
Behind the school was a field and grassed area which circled the back of the school, starting on the Marsh Hill road side, continuing along the back of the Science block and reaching across to Marsh Hill Boys' School. This area was mostly used for athletics training in the summer term. Google maps show the Science block area of the school has in later years seen the most change, with two extensions. These two new buildings appear to cover much of the original sports field, the very spot where we threw a blinding discus, javelin or temper tantrum.
Moving back to the Marsh Hill side, behind the Hall, there's now an area of tarmac and a car park. In my time this area contained long jump and high jump sandpits and another grassed area. There may also have been some parking spaces, but on a much smaller scale. Another large area of tarmac was in front of the main school entrance and Gym. This was set up for tennis courts in summer or netball pitches in winter.
Just inside the school entrance, was the Main Hall with the Gym to the right and the open-plan, dining area to the left. Through the dining area you reached a staircase with to access classrooms in the only multi storey section of the school. To the right of the stairs was the rear school door. The wall joining it housed a row of hatches through which those delightful (!) school meals appeared. We'd queue patiently at the hatches waiting to be served, giving us time to find the strip of grey dinner tickets stashed in the little zip pocket of our blue, expanding, nurses-style belt.
To the left side of the staircase was the corridor to the offices for the Head, Deputy Head and the staffroom. These were not often visited. Although those of a naughtier disposition would be far more familiar with this territory. Also on the left was a corridor leading to the low-level science block where much smelly stuff was concocted and, in later years, gave a good view of passing Marsh Hill Boys VI formers taking mixed lessons (yes, 'mixed' - with the opposite sex !)
Leaving the dining area and taking the upwards staircase through the multi-level block, is where you'd find the form rooms and classrooms. Many of the rooms were simply blank and boring classrooms, with little to offer except hard work. But some held things a little more interesting such as the Language Lab with its individual cubicles lined with soundproofing boards, the type with lots of holes in. I think you could hang your headphones up on the boards. Other rooms with better prospects were the domestic science rooms with fully equipped kitchens and a mock-up flat where you'd learn the vital skills of making a bed, including, of course, mastering the essential hospital corners. And on the top floor, don't forget the classrooms which gave a good viewing platform for male spotting, either directly across to Stockland Green Bi-Lateral or Marsh Hill Boys' to the right. It was all part of a rich and enlightening education !
Back downstairs, the Main Hall hosted many joint girl/boy school theatricals, like Gilbert and Sullivan's "Mikado" and "The Pirates of Penzance".Having never summoned up the courage to audition for a part, I think I missed a lot of fun. So my artistic expression was confined to fluttering and strutting in this same hall during dance lessons dressed in regulation pale green dance tunic. The Hall was, I believe, where the school record was recorded. Presumably it had good acoustics.
Beneath the stage (yes beneath !) was the Sixth Form Common Room. This was probably a serious fire risk, especially as some girls lit up the occasional, crafty fag (strictly against school rules of course, but you know what they say about rules). One of the entrances to the Common Room was via the side of the stage (internal) and the other was through a small external door on the Marsh Hill side of the building. The entrance to the Common Room with its sunken door and small window alongside are still there, but they're now covered over and not particularly inviting.
Just inside that door was a kitchen with a sink and cooker. Continuing through to the Common Room we had rows of low, comfy chairs and a record player (remember those?). The Common Room is best described as 'makeshift' with all the pipework and supporting beams exposed along the ceiling. It certainly wouldn't cut it with today's H&S inspectors. It was here that we sixth formers solved all our boy, makeup and fashion problems. An education in itself !
Viv
