BBC1 Schools and Colleges 1977 – 1983

In September 1977, the BBC gave their schools service a makeover. They re-introduced the mechanical countdown clock in the form of disappearing dots. The 1977 version also featured the “schools and colleges” logo spinning around. This spinning effect was not intended. It was down to a problem with the mechanical model and was removed from service at the end of Summer term 1978.

By 1981, the BBC had changed their corporate logo. The schools clock was amended accordingly and revealed in Autumn term 1981. That year also signified the end of an era with the introduction of a piece of equipment that changed broadcasting – the computer. The mechanical clock was only used for around three months before being retired forever and a new computer generated clock introduced. With more change afoot within the BBC’s schedules, the computerised version was only to last a year.

The next stop for BBC Schools was BBC2. BBC Schools moved permanently to BBC2 in Autumn term 1983. However prior to the BBC2 move, there were occasions when the service was termporarily moved to BBC2. Major events tended to be the cause. During the two months Falklands war, BBC Schools was frequently shown on BBC2. A rather rough overlay of the BBC2 logo on the BBC1 clock was shown. Any references in BBC schools programmes to the Falklands region was edited out! Understanding The Junction – At A Glance Designer: Oliver Elmes (BBC in-house) Sequence: Greater than 1 minute until diamonds break and shrink Running: Circa September 1977 – June 1983.

BBC1 Schools and Colleges – Follows Shortly Intervals

Some examples of longer intervals that would be shown before the main clock.

BBC1 Schools and Colleges – Holding Slides

Example holding slides (general programmes) circa 1979 – 1981.

Example holding slides (language programmes) circa 1979.

Example holding slides (miscellaneous and teachers’) circa 1977 – 1982.