In 1954, these pupils were starting lessons in a new school – Burnbrae Primary, in Priesthill, Glasgow.

City councillor John D Kelly emphasised the importance of primary education in opening and developing the minds of youngsters during his speech for the occasion.

He said the responsibility for this lay partly with the teaching staff but added that no matter how hard they work, pupils still needed the support of their families to achieve their full potential. He said that, while housing had been a major concern for the council in recent years, it had not lost sight of its responsibilities for education as well, and that the problem of secondary education in the area was also being tackled.

He promised that solutions to the problems it faced were in sight.

Lofty words indeed for these youngsters to appreciate at their age. They look as though they are taking a slightly less serious view of things and just looking forward to being in a warm, clean classroom, with their own desks and surrounded by their friends.

The teacher clearly has this class’s attention – though that might change when the camera leaves.