Bringing elderly people into schools

CSV have launched their Open Doors programme, whereby elderly people are encouraged to take an active part in schools. In the pilot project, at Benwell Primary School in Newcastle, the elders taught and participated in corn dolly making, french knitting, paper bead making and cookery. A group of elders joined in the school assembly once each fortnight and they were invited to any 'special events' at the school. They also joined together in drama activities to help make the past seem more alive.

'Tom Callaghan had actually attended the school as a child. Most of his life had been spent as a tramp on the road'

For instance, Tom Callaghan had actually attended the school as a child. Most of his life had been spent as a tramp on the road. He was introduced to the class as a tramp who wanted to get into the workhouse they were managing. 'How could I find it difficult to play a role which I had played in real life?' Tom remarked, and the teacher told how 'the children, and myself, of course, had very stereotyped ideas about what we thought a tramp should be.' First of all he recounted what life was like being out on the streets, and the children wrote stories for him. The drama led to Tom doing other things with the children, helping them with their manuscripts and even going on field trips with them.

A tape slide show and a report about 'Open Doors' are available from Eileen Flemming, CSV Education, 237 Pentonville Road, London N1 9NJ (tel 071 278 6601).

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