How will we look back on the current pandemic and its effect on our school in a few years? A significant episode in the fascinating history of the BSN, perhaps. It certainly isn’t the first challenge our school has faced since its inception in 1931. The early years in particular could be described as uncertain or disruptive. Of course, there was the
outbreak of World War II resulting in the school’s eventual temporary closure.
Following Britain’s declaration of war on Germany:
Numbers at the school had shrunk considerably. Just over a dozen pupils and 3 or 4 teachers. A bizarre situation, being in a small neutral country between two much bigger countries at war with one another. Not far along the coast Spitfires and Messerschmitts were fighting out the Battle of Britain.
There have been challenges of a more mundane nature too; related to funding and physical space. When the school premises were taken over by the army as emergency barracks, the founding Principal transferred what was left of the school to her own home. Over the course of history, the school has been located in
25 different premises, including a church hall.
If this has sparked your interest in the history of the BSN, you can read more in our blog series
‘Stories from the Archives’. These blogs are written by our school Archivist and former Head of German, Mike Weston. You’ll discover all sorts of fascinating historical details which make for a rich and compelling narrative.