The Open Air School in Bow

The Bow Road Open Air School was designed for children of ‘delicate health’. Away from mainstream education the pupils could receive medical attention, were weighed, measured and had their blood tested regularly. The children’s lessons were conducted outside or in south facing classrooms with large windows which were left open. Along with a regime of physical exercise, rest was believed to be very important and as can be seen from the photograph. Sleep times were included in the daily syllabus. In 1951 the school was rebuilt and became Farquharson and McMorran’s Phoenix School.