Socially Useful Productive Work at Bishops - Pune

SUPW in Bishops – Socially Useful Productive work ( SOME USEFUL PERIODS WASTED ?)

Now this is something almost all of you ( at least while I was there ) had to do. SUPW or Socially Useful Productive work was a component of the ICSE examination. You had to do it and you were then graded. You had to pass in order to get an ICSE Certificate but I never knew anyone who failed!

Were there SUPW classes during the year- was SUPW done – Yes and NO .

Now that won’t surprise you boys as you all know what I mean.

At times it was Some useful periods wasted while at other times the work you did in and around the campus was praiseworthy.

For those who were not in Bishops yet reading this article let me share with you some of the work the boys did.

Sweeping classrooms , Pulling out grass, cutting weeds, pulling down buildings, picking up stones from the football field- especially before the Athletics, cleaning dormitories, looking after Jr classes , helping teachers do up the rooms for the exhibition , helping clean the church for Founders day, carrying bricks for the new building, dong stuff for teachers like filling up marks in the register, doing mark sheets for teachers, minding the class while the teacher was away, taking up the bones for Mr Beamons dog ( Patchy / Smokey ) although I am not sure if Mr Beamon would sign the SUPB book for this. I am sure there were more jobs and boys may like to add them in.

Then there was an SUPW book which was supposed to be filled in and signed by whoever gave you the job to do. Day scholars had an advantage – they got relatives, friends and parents to sign for work they did at  home – am not too sure if all the signature were an accurate reflection – am not casting aspersions but not sure whether the signatures were genuine or not either – but it was all part of SUPW and everything in the book was taken as the truth.

There were a certain number of hours that had to be done- everyone without exception made sure they had the hours.

Now comes the best part- the PRACTICAL EXAMINATION!!!

Yippee said some / Oh MY GOD said others.

Now for some fun thought some. I will did today said others.

The practical exams were either cooking , cycle repairs and carpentry- not sure of there were any other choices

Preparations began a few days before.

Those doing carpentry had to sandpaper and then polish a desk and chair.

Those who had opted for cycle repairs had to remove the wheels etc – apply greese and then put them back and polish the cycle

Cooking was the most popular.

It entailed arranging for a gas/ oil stove, utensils, cutlery, table cloth, a glass, vase, ingredients etc.

While the first two ie carpentry and cycle repairs were done on the Basketball court, the cooking was done in the lunch shed.

From early morning one would see cars arrive – often with a maid/ helper carrying out all the requirements from the car.

Mothers and a few fathers would come too to ensure all was in order. A number of staff would hang around to watch the fun – believe me IT WAS A FUN DAY.

Then before you could say JACK ROBINSON the Chefs were at it.

Stoves were lit- oil/ ghee was heated/ vegetables were cut, stuff was being fried, some were seen grinding , others stirring , tasting , laying the tables , struggling , looking for help and advice , wringing their hands in dismay. Food got burnt, stuff fell down, gas stoves refused to light , oil stoves played up , the salt was extra, there was no salt, borrowing took place ,and some helping as well.

Laughter, snigger, yippee, jokes, tasting, walking around and observing – it went on all morning.

Meanwhile the poor chaps on the basketball toiled on without much fuss. Very few paid any attention to them.

The chefs carried on manfully.

Mr and Mrs Roberts took frequent rounds so also Mr Beamon and his dogs.

And then everything was ready and cooked.

Tables ( The lunch shed tables) were laid out with table cloths, crockery, cutlery , flower vases , napkins etc – THEY LOOKED GOOD.

And then the aroma of good food- yes believes you me the FOOD WAS TASTY.

Those grading the dishes tasted a few , and asked about recipes.

I must not forget to mention that a large no of boys – boarders and day scholars could be seen waiting in the wings like hyenas!

The grading over and it was time to eat- food was exchanged, some grabbed, some picked up their dish and ran towards the dormitories, some picked up others’ dishes and ran, some got into groups and ate.

The carpenters and the cycle mechanics were grades as well – they then came over to partake in the feast as well.

It was a day of fun and frolic.

Almost everyone got an A                                    

A few got a B

It was a day well spent                                                  

I am sure a large number of boys will read this and think back to the day they did their SUPW practical examination
Cheers boys – and by the way if you’re married – I do hope your helping with the cooking!!