Is it a bit weird that I want to visit my old high school?

[Deleted User]

I really enjoy doing things that trigger nostalgia and I've visited virtually every place of significance I've been to since I was a child. I visited the house I was born in (only the outside), previous holiday destinations, my first job location, other job locations, the place I slept when I was homeless etc. They trigger really strong memories for me, both good and bad and I enjoy the reminiscing / nostalgia factor. 

Anyway one place I've not been able to visit was my old high school, I'd love to have a walk round the corridors, have a peak in the canteen, look at some of the class rooms and sports hall, music theatre, science labs, food catering labs etc.

I did try to do this once before around the time all the students were leaving the school but the exit was being "guarded" by 2 teachers who would have obviously questioned my attempt to enter the school when all the students are leaving. And you can't just enter the school during school hours because all the doors require a security student card thing that opens when you scan your ID card. (A feature that didn't exist when I attended 20 years ago).  

So yeah, is it weird I want to do this? I was thinking about contacting the school and asking for a tour but I seriously doubt they're going to permit this. Firstly for potential security reasons? And secondly it's just a waste of resources and time for the teacher who would be escorting me around the school.

Maybe if I made a donation in exchange for a tour but they'd likely only agree if it was a significant donation which obviously I'm not going to do just to look around my old school.

Emmia

Does your old school not have formal open days or fêtes you could go to?

[Deleted User]

Emmia said:

Does your old school not have formal open days or fêtes you could go to?

They do have open days but isn't that for parents? They're not just going to let anyone walk in and have a nose around would they?

Emmia

[Deleted User] said:

Emmia said:

Does your old school not have formal open days or fêtes you could go to?

They do have open days but isn't that for parents? They're not just going to let anyone walk in and have a nose around would they?

My old school has an annual fete/open day to which I or anyone could go.

Surely your old school has a summer fête or something like that? Or are you really wanting to nosy round all the areas that wouldn't be open then? They're not going to let you just wander in off the street and look round unescorted.

You could try emailing them and asking if it's possible to have a tour with your reasons for doing so, but you'd undoubtedly be fully escorted for that visit, or go to one of the open days for parents of new pupils, and pretend you have a kid?

But in answer to your question... Yes, it is a bit on the weird side.

marcia_

 I don't think it's weird but getting in will be almost impossible unless there is a Christmas or summer fair. Just about everyone entering a school needs an enhanced dbs. 

DE_612183

not at all - I was lucky in that my daughter attended a stage school that took place in my old high school - it was strange walking round the corridors and using toilets I'd last used 23 years before - I also was able to go into one of my old classrooms and look around - the biggest surprise was how little it had actually changed - yes there were new chairs & desks - but the layout and windows were the same

[Deleted User]

A while ago I was looking into a night school class in my old secondary school.  I took great pleasure in walking upstairs in what had been the "Boys only" stairs.  As a schoolgirl  there, of course, I was only allowed to use the "Girls only" stairs.  The school still had engraved in stone "Boys" and "Girls" only separate eentrances.

Years later I visited the hospital where I had been a student.  I took pleasure in going into what (1960's) had, very strictly, been the "Sisters only" dining room with very crisply starched white cotton table covers.

It had become a dining room for anyone to use by then although "staff only" paid less for food than the general public.  As a student "living in" had been compulsory and, very low pay, but meals were free or, rather, included.

It was quite nice being to 'ponder the path of my feet' remembering years gone by. 

DenOfFlowers

It's not weird at all, I'm very nostalgic for high school. But not surprising it's not permitted. Could you arrange a class reunion at the school for a weekend / after hours? More work but you could not only visit the school but also see old class-mates – doubly nostalgic potentially   

Katiehound

Does the school not have annual event for 'old' students? (such as a reunion day?)
Mine does but the old building has long long gone so nothing worth visiting except I might want to meet folk from my year group. I have done that once but no longer live in that part of the country.

No, I don't think it is odd.