Newfield News '68

The swinging sixties is in evidence here at the Sheffield school of Newfield, at least when it comes to enjoying the varied extra-curricular activities. The pupils of this secondary school seem to be making the most of performing in the school play, participating in the sports day, playing football, on a school outing to Coventry Cathedral, and entertaining mothers on the streets of Sheffield with their school band.

Newfield School is in the Norton Lees area of Sheffield, looking out over the Gleadless Valley. It was at this time a secondary modern school, becoming a comprehensive the following year. As seen here, the school performed plays in a local theatre. It had an excellent Film Unit which made films relating to the school from its opening in 1958 through to 1977. The collection, including some imaginative fictional films, reveal a thriving school, and those involved in making the films show real creative flair and wit. Doubtless there were one or more, unknown, innovative teachers at the heart of this, though it was not that unusual at this time for schools to film school events and teach filmmaking skills.