Nostalgia: A look back at the lessons, experiences and performances of Millom School

Childcare lessons with a difference were being held at Millom School in 1994, where pupils were working with real children as part of their lessons.

Every Thursday GCSE pupils could be seen trundling around the school grounds with toddlers in pushchairs.

They took care of the children of neighbours and relatives for the afternoon to learn what it was really like looking after toddlers.

The youngsters had to be kept amused and pupils took them for walks, played with them and watched their behaviour.

At the end of the year the students provided a written report on their individual charges.

Teacher Christine Ogden said: “It does teach the pupils that children have definite needs and they realise it is not as easy as they think.

“It encourages them to realise that children need to be stimulated.

“We have children from six months to three and a half years.”

The pupils also carried out theoretical work on nutrition, relationships and all the stages of pregnancy and labour.

Parents were allowed to attend the lessons with their children but Mrs Ogden said she thought it did give the parents a bit of a break.

She was hoping to get more boys interested in the course in future.

In 1989 Millom Ladies Guild celebrated its first birthday at the Pensioners Hall with a concert by musicians from Millom School.

The guild’s oldest member, Miss Andrews, cut a special birthday cake, watched by young musicians from the school.

In 1992 the school’s production was Orpheus in the Underworld.

Other productions over the years have included The Pied Piper in 1988.

The Sound of Music was performed in 1990, Oliver was performed a year later and the classic story My Fair Lady in 1995.

The Mail was on hand each and every time to take photographs at the dress rehearsals.