The First Fifth Form

by Evelyn Smith

The author whose brilliance gave us "Binkie" and "Nicky" may be counted upon for a succession of amusing incidents, a high standard of character drawing, and in 'The First Fifth Form' she more than maintains her reputation. Pat, Grace, the Parker-Pratts and Betsey are living persons whom we know intimately long before the Fifth Form has risen to its full dignity. In the process Winkle and Betsey show up with startling effect, while Pat patiently works, by turns aided and hindered by Grace, but always up against the self-conceit of the Parker-Pratts. The intriguing history of the Shakespeare Garden and the remarkable incident of the unofficial "Sports" are only two points in a book which every girl will read with delight.

Genres: School Stories

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1926

About the author

Born in Leamington Spa, in 1885, British children's author Constance Evelyn Smith was the daughter of Henry Bartlett Smith, high bailiff of Warwickshire County Court, and his wife, Eleanor Langford. She was educated at Leamington High School (now known as the Kingsley School), and at Royal Holloway College, where she graduated with first class honors in English, in 1907. She taught at Glasgow High School from 1909-1923, until ill health forced her into an early retirement. She turned to writing at this period, and edited plays and collections of poetry, in addition to publishing her girls' school stories. She died of pneumonia in 1928.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pat Morrison was keenly conscious of the fact that Rosebank Private School - where she, her sister Gillian, her best friend Betsey Woodruff, and Betsey's three sisters, Millicent, Winkle and Iris, were students - wasn't a "proper" school. Not like Wrinchley, where they played games, acted Shakespeare, and (most importantly!) passed examinations. Wrinchley, the expensive boarding school where superior Grace Whigham was a student...

But when Rosebank closed down, and was replaced by the Little Marling New Girls' School, it looked as if matters were finally improving! Enrolled, together with sister and friends, at the new school, Pat finds herself part of its first ever Fifth Form. Soon settling down to her work, Pat's scholastic achievement began to improve, as she also became involved in school projects, like the Shakespeare Garden, and school controversies, like the Fourth Form's secret sports day.

Although there were episodes in The First Fourth Form I found very appealing, particularly those involving the endearing Winkle and her mischievous projects, overall I found that the story didn't quite hang together as well as it might have. I'm not entirely sure why that was. I did find it interesting that some attention is given to what constitutes a "good" school for girls, with a clear preference being shown to the "modern" school, in which scholastic and athletic achievement in encouraged, rather than the more traditional "finishing" school, which emphasized deportment and manners. That alone made this a worthwhile entry in my school-story project!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Standard school girl plot with some charming characters. However I just couldn’t get into this plot as much as many I’ve read so three stars. It would also be nice if the publishers stated when the book was first written.

[Alisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book as an adult and again with a ten year old girl. Reading it with a child put a new spin on the fun memories because they are her present. It brought me back to my childhood and related me to the young reader as well. I got this book through GoodReads First Reads. It's a wonderful children's book.

[Kirsti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started this yesterday, while waiting to start work. I usually have a 20 minute wait because my bus gets there early, so I finished my dog book and started this. I love School Stories, and this on is a beauty. The characters are excellent, especially Winkle and Pat. The circumstances are fun, and different than in some other books I've read in this genre. A great book, five stars.

[Mhairi Gowans · Rating 5 out of 5]

A excellent example of school literature with brilliantly drawn characters.