Educational institutions are usually associated with restrictions and obligation. Numerous students dislike them, many consider learning a mind-numbing waste of time, others feel that school is a tedious duty, and still others enjoy it for pleasurable pastimes and lack of demanding tasks.
My primary school, the District Council Junior School No 1 was unique, as it was situated on the river and around 5 minutes' walk from my house, in the same building as the High School. I used to attend it for three years, and it was the most extraordinary type of school in Poland.
The groups were not crowded, as they had not more than 27 students. Our teachers were generally severe and rigorous except for those even-tempered, who were tolerant and forgave the students' errors. In case we could not understand something, we could always ask our teachers for help and they were ready to explain the problems. They were also very friendly and, apart from their assistance with our school difficulties, they were ready to help us with our private troubles. We obeyed our teachers and my school was disciplined. We had a lot of tasks to do and they marked and kept record of our behaviour. We lost good marks for not doing something or breaking the regulations and we gained them for doing our duties, such as watering plants, tidying the classroom, etc. We were forbidden to be late for lessons. It was our duty to carry identity tags with our names; we had to change our shoes, and our teachers noted our individual good or bad marks in a special book. The final marks were given when our form master summed up the records. Among other school subjects, I preferred history and English, which I liked the best. My marks in those subjects were the best, too. The most probable reason why I was interested in history was the influence of my parents. They are both history teachers and we used to talk about many fascinating things from the past. I didn't like biology, though, as I thought it was boring and it was totally indifferent to me.
For me, my Junior School was the most excellent in the world. Its atmosphere was great and I made many friends, both younger and older. My teachers were concerned and welcoming, they could explain us difficult problems at all times we asked them questions, and they could discuss any subject with me. Any time I visit my old school, I enjoy a warm welcome. Frankly speaking, the only thing I hated about my school was its rigour, and I used to break the rules. Nevertheless, I'm happy that I attended just that school and if I were to choose, I would never change my mind.
