ISLE OF WIGHT MIDDLE SCHOOLS: DOWNSIDE – THE PAN ESTATE SCHOOL THAT OPENED WITH HIGH HOPES

In the 4th article in our series on Isle of Wight Middle Schools, Island Echo examines Downside County Middle School, located in the County Town of Newport. Downside was officially opened on 7th July 1972 – the 3rd in the series of middle schools to be completed. Its 1st phase was finished in September 1970. The total cost of the construction of the school buildings was £141,627 (£1,615,408 in today’s values). The school started with just 147 children aged 9 to 11. By the time Downside had been completed, this number had risen to 420 pupils. Its catchment area included Pan Estate, Wootton and Whippingham. Downside was provided with more than adequate sporting facilities on 6 acres of playing fields. As well as the grassed areas for football, cricket and rugby, there were also hard, paved areas for tennis, netball and basketball. The middle school excelled in sports tournaments. For example, in 1979, Downside Under-11 footballers toured Reading, led by teacher Mr Paul Harmsworth, winning all 5 games in which they played, scoring 20 goals and conceding only 2.

There was also ample gymnastic equipment provided in the assembly hall as well as a teaching area specially designed for music and drama. The school itself was provided with natural light throughout from the ceiling. It prided itself on having radio, T.V. aerial and switch socket outlets, which were regarded as something of an innovation for school buildings in the early 70s. Downside Middle School began with very high hopes. The Isle of Wight’s comprehensive education system was praised by Dr W.D. Wall – Dean of the University of London Institute of Education – who performed the opening ceremony.

Dr Wall said:

“With a 3-tier system of education, the Island had seized on the best aspects of contemporary thinking. If you want to go ahead and leave the other people behind, this is the best way to do it. “You have more middle schools on this Island than exist within the area occupied by my institute – that is the whole of the south-east of England. You are rather progressive. “The Island has recognised that the way in which children grew and developed was best served by the middle schools. The period of 9 to 13 was the end of childhood and the dawn of puberty and adolescence. “Children of 4,5 and 6 were very dependent on their teachers. They had to be weaned from that dependence and made made ready to go on to other things, and a school that bridged that transition was important.”

Alderman Mrs Christy – Chairperson of the Education Committee – told those gathered at the opening ceremony how proud she was of the education system on the Isle of Wight:

“We are a very small Island, and I sometimes think we do not blow our own trumpet as often as we might.”

The Chairman of the school governors, Mr A T Drudge told those present:

“We are proud of the building, and I’m sure the parents who send their children there are also proud. The money we have spent and intend to spend on education will leave our schools 2nd to none in England.”

Initially, Downside lived up to the high expectations of the Isle of Wight education authorities and academics. Jon Goldsmith – who attended the school in the late 70s – praised the school and its teachers, saying:

“The best teachers were Mr Roger Evans Deputy Head, the PE teachers Mr Paul Harmsworth and Mr Jon Hayward, as well as the humanities teacher, Mr Bob Welch. “These were great times with some great sport and teachers.”

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Sadly, Downside County Middle School – together with the remainder of Isle of Wight Middle Schools – was closed in 2011 with the reorganisation of education on the Island to revert to a 2-tier system. The final school day was 21st July of that year. Shortly before the school’s closure, Downside was federated with Kitbridge Middle (Forest Road, Newport), although pupils continued to be taught at both sites. After closure, the Downside Middle School site became home to Barton Primary School, Barnardo’s East Newport Family Centre and the Downside Community Centre. The new community hybrid facility was opened in 2017 at a cost of £1.37 million.

Did you go to Downside Middle School? If so, do you have fond memories? Did you play in any of the sports teams featured? Downside Middle (together with the other Isle of Wight Middle Schools) opened with high hopes of success in the 70s, with the Isle of Wight seen as a pioneer in the latest educational innovations. Today, the Island les bottom of educational achievement tables in the whole of England. What has gone wrong over the past half century? Let us know in the comments…