You never know when you might need to rescue someone in difficulty in the river or swimming pool.

These children would have had some idea what to do in an emergency.

Pupils from St Michael’s First School, in Marston Road, Oxford, were given a demonstration in life-saving when they went to the Ferry Pool in North Oxford in 1977.

The purpose of the visit was to give them swimming instruction.

After all, with so many waterways in Oxford, learning to swim is an important part of any child’s educ- ation.

During a break, they sat and stood at the side of the pool to watch the techniques used to save people from drowning.

Lorraine Greenwood, a member of the Ferry Pool staff, is seen ‘rescuing’ John Kiefer, eight.

St Michael’s School started life as New Marston CoE School on land given by the Morrell brewery family.

Its first pupils arrived in 1927 and it was officially opened by Lady Morrell a year later.

During the war, some evacuees were taught there — local children went to school in the morning, and evacuees in the afternoon.

For many years, there was an air raid shelter in the school grounds.

The school celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2003 with an open day, which attracted many past pupils and teachers.

It was a popular school, not only for children but also with staff, some of whom served for many years, They included teachers Mabel Carter, Mrs Harding, Ruth Carter and Muriel Henderson.

One of the most colourful members of staff was wartime headmistress Miss Chandler. Former pupils recall her arriving at school in her tiny Austin Ruby car to cheers of “Here comes Maggie in her matchbox”.

Some days, because of petrol rationing, she would leave the car at home and ride her sit-up-and-beg bike.

Does anyone recognise any of the pupils above?