Interview with Val Johnson-Jones conducted at Ysgol Carreg Hir Primary School, Briton Ferry, by Year 5 pupils - Faith, Alfie, and Isla - on March 14, 2024. Val Johnson-Jones, aged 74, has lived in Briton Ferry nearly all her life. She reflects on her experiences of school and childhood from the 1950s and 1960s.

00:00:37: Early School Life She recalls wooden desks with hinged lids, slates and chalk instead of pens. Classrooms were heated by coal fires—teachers kept warm at the front, while pupils at the back stayed cold. At her school, pupils used outdoor toilets, while teachers had indoor ones.

00:04:27: School Meals & Play Val fondly remembers chocolate sponge with pink custard. Playtime included hopscotch, skipping, hula hoops, and circle games such as Farmer in the Den.

00:07:00: Lessons & Routine Learning was mostly individual, with little group work. Daily assemblies featured prayers, hymns, and announcements.

00:09:12: School Segregation Her primary school was mixed, but grammar schools were single sex. She shares photographs from 1956–1963 and reflects on long-lasting friendships, including a recent reunion with her childhood friend Kathleen.

00:12:09: Grammar School Experience Grammar school enforced strict uniforms and discipline. Teachers were generally kind in primary school, but grammar school was harsher, especially under a strict headmistress. Discipline - Punishments included the cane, slippers, and sometimes teachers throwing chalk or board rubbers.

00:17:00: Reflections on Then and Now Val notes that today’s schools have more gender integration and better support for pupils. Friendships now often cross between boys and girls, unlike in her youth.

00:18:20: Teaching Methods & Ability Differences In her day, all children were taught the same lessons regardless of ability. Large classes meant slower learners often struggled without much individual help, though teachers tried to encourage them. Looking back, she feels many would have benefitted from modern learning support.

00:19:55: The 11 Plus Exam At age 11, pupils sat the "11 Plus," which determined entry to grammar school or secondary modern (later comprehensives). Val acknowledges the system’s unfairness; she compares this to today’s SATs and the pressures they create.

00:21:13: Favourite Subjects & Activities French was her favourite subject, thanks to an engaging teacher. She struggled with maths. Outside lessons, she enjoyed playtime and, more so, after school, spending time outdoors with friends. Family evenings involved meals together, board games, radio, or reading.

00:22:20: Reading & Libraries She loved Briton Ferry Library, where the children’s section was upstairs. Enid Blyton was her favourite author, and she immersed herself in books.

00:23:35: School Day Structure The day ran from 9:00 a.m. until about 4:45 p.m. Children walked safely in groups. A bell signaled lessons, and lateness was noted but not harshly punished.

00:24:32: Community & Friendships She remembers strong community ties, with families looking out for each other. School friendships often lasted a lifetime, even if years passed between meetings.

00:25:09: Fashion & Social Life Val shares photos from around 1962 showing herself and friends dressed formally with dresses, petticoats, gloves, and handbags. She reflects on how fashions have changed and prefers modern clothing.

00:26:32: Jersey Park Memories She recalls Jersey Park with its swings, seesaw, roundabout, and especially a very tall slide overlooking the cricket ground. The old, green-painted shelter was a favourite gathering place, though it has since disappeared.

00:28:37: Sewing & Creativity Taught by her dressmaker mother, Val began sewing young, making dolls’ clothes with a small working sewing machine she still owns. She explains how patterns were often cut from newspapers.

00:30:29: Needlework at School At East Road School, she remembers sewing with binca fabric, stitching and lining it to make a small sewing bag for needles and cotton. She regrets not keeping hers.