JANE’S JOTTINGS


Slide rules Pity


the poor students having to concentrate on their exam


papers in the hot weather.


Of course, these days, more than ever will be heading for multiple grade 'A's. Not like us oldies who ended up with a set of results resembling alphabet soup!


Mind you, some things never change, that is, the temptation to bend the rules a little.


I’m told that the old tricks are still in currency. Minutely scribbled dates of battles and monarchs are to be found in pencil cases, on the backs of rulers and on small scraps of paper. I did it once, but I was too scared to look.


I hear of one Open University student making multiple visits to the toilet during her finals, amazing how the terror of an exam can bring on a weak bladder! One can only speculate where this student had hidden the key facts and dates.


I’m sure the world of Google and mobile phones must give present-day invigilators even more to look out for.


In my day, it was the slide rule that was banned. These primitive calculators


Jane Webb has lived in Eltham since '85 with her husband and daughter. She has taught at several local primary schools'


Pleasaunce success A


record crowd visited Well Hall Pleasaunce at its May Bank Holiday


fayre this year.


Around 5,000 people were attracted to the event, which launched the annual Greenwich Parksfest programme.


Attractions included donkey rides, have-a-go art, owls, inflatables, Pocket the Clown, farm animals, face painting and a wide range of community stalls.


A full day’s programme of main stage entertainment included a variety of


8


And it’s not just exams. I hear that a local pub quizmaster now demands each team submits its iPhones and iPads for examination before he pays out the prizes. Is there no limit to what people will do to get ahead?


SEnine


were a step up from an abacus but only just. The moveable plastic band read off the results of sums and could be hidden inside a blazer. I never did. I knew my nine times table! Teacher wouldn’t let us out for playtime if we didn’t.


Of course, times tables were learned by the class chanting out loud. I’m told this excellent educational practice was ditched because those slow at maths could cheat by miming. Maybe so, but I reckon it helped them remember.


Slide rules disappeared when the pocket calculator was invented. It wasn’t long before students were officially allowed to take them into exams, so that they could be tested on more difficult tasks than just adding and taking away. But it still sounds like cheating if you ask me. No wonder so many pass!


local talent including a songs-from-the- shows routine by Sally Anne Luckhurst and Richard Gresham, Greenwich Concert Band, Greenwich Soul Choir and the Tudor Barn’s Suzie Bailey with her band Espree.


Dance groups performing included Loopy Lou’s and Boppin Bunnies.


The event is jointly organised by the Friends of Well Hall Pleasaunce, the Tudor Barn and Greenwich Council, which sponsors Parksfest from its communities budget.


Vote at elections, it is your right


Well Hall’s autumn fayre will be held on Sunday August 28; anybody wanting a stall at the event should email wellhall@ hotmail.co.uk or text 07894 711765.


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