Kōrero: Childhood

Schools provide children with opportunities for play as well as learning. At first school playtime was largely unsupervised, but by the end of the 19th century teachers watched over the playground. Equipment like climbing frames, swings and slides kept groups of children together, but they were still able to express themselves freely. These children from Thorndon School in Wellington are playing on a jungle gym. The photographer has caught a moment of action as they spill from the frame and race out of shot – perhaps the bell has rung to end playtime.