Known originally as Sinclair Avenue School, it was modelled on the first open plan building, which was at Finmere.

Back in 1968 'open' had a very different meaning for teachers and pupils as much building work was still to be completed. This was unfortunate as the school was in a suburb strongly influenced by London and Birmingham overspill.

Despite numerous problems, the least of which included a lack of paper and exercise books and no staff toilets, the school opened at 9am on September 4, 1968.

The first headteacher was Geoff Eccles, formerly of Neithrop Junior School. Under his direction, 224 children worked through a 9am to 2pm day with a sandwich break at lunchtime. A shared existence with the builders meant that HMI Stuart was able to record his surprise that teaching had started and it was not until May 21, 1969, that Alderman Cooper, chairman of the County Education Committee, was able to declare the school officially open.

Apart from Geoff's personal drive and determination, there was also the presence of teachers such as Barbara Cave, who, when she retired in December 1969 was described as "a tower of strength both here and at Neithrop School".

She and the other members of staff were able to make imaginative use of an exciting building with its opportunities for shared space. Geoff Eccles led by example and in turn expected high standards from a well-chosen support team (many became headteachers).

The early history of Hillview was marked by week-long camping expeditions planned by teachers and held at places such as Overstrand in Norfolk or wherever Geoff Eccles's connections with Methodism opened up accommodation possibilities.

This was a time of social awareness and often the first opportunities for children to experience somewhere other than their home environment. More recently, long weekends are more the norm and adventure locations with internal instructors have become the response to National Curriculum demands.

Additionally the grounds of the school now include a space devoted to Hillview Camp in the form of tents pitched on the field.

By 1974 the 224 strong roll of 1968 had grown to an overcrowded 676. Extra accommodation was urgently needed. St Paul's Church Hall was felt to be a last resort but a temporary classroom seemed a distant prospect.
Parents formed an action committee and petitioned and lobbied the local authority. As ever, money was short but the school eventually got its hut and parents switched their attention to campaigning against the exclusion of the rising fives.

Shows – some seasonal – have been a feature of the school year. Typical examples have been the Wizard of Oz and a Victorian evening featuring old-time music hall. Karen Dee – at Hillview from 1975 to 1981 and now a parent – remembers performing the can-can one Christmas.

At the end of the summer term in 1981, Geoff Eccles retired. In his logbook he wrote: "it has been an exciting and stimulating time". Indicative of this was the May Day celebration in 1978 when some children did Morris dancing at 6am.

Remarkably since Geoff sent an emotional last letter to parents there have been only two other headteachers. First, Peter Jones came from an Oxford Primary School and for the past nine years the present head David Molloy has been helmsman. Both have seen the growing impact of the National Curriculum, which shapes learning and activities but diminishes teacher flexibility.

Hillview has been perceived as a good school. One interesting measure of this has been the development of strong links with other countries. Partner schools in Spain and Germany participate in teacher exchanges. Schools in Uganda have benefited from Hillview fund raising in support of sustainable projects such as the erection of chicken sheds. In turn African experience will guide the running of such farm projects here in Banbury.

Jan Buxton, who gave over 30 years of service, has recalled the school's own swimming pool, which was funded by the parent-teacher association and was such an asset in pre-Spiceball days.

The part played by parents has been significant in other ways. Many had Alfred Bird connections and so the school's Harvest Festival produce would be greatly enhanced by packets of Angel Delight.

More recently the school garden has benefited by the input of mums and dads.

Meanwhile, back in the classroom or hall, occasional history days enable children to experience past ways of life. Practical workshops provide a new medium for learning that is a far cry from 1968 when Geoff Eccles bemoaned the lack of exercise books.

In a recent edition of the Radio 4 programme You and Yours, a headteacher emphasised the importance of a values-led education as a way of establishing the ethos of the school. In this context one of my lasting memories of Hillview 40 years on is the list of musts boldly displayed: "Be kind and helpful. Do be gentle. Do listen to people. Do be honest. Do look after property. Do work hard."

Given the right response to these, the next 40 years look full of promise. Back in 1981 the chief education officer perceived a school as having a "high reputation in the county". Geoff Eccles called his visit "a day to remember". There are many more to come. Happy 40th anniversary, Hillview!

- My grateful thanks for information, memorabilia and photographs go the David Molloy, Jo Dynan, Jan Buxton, Jeff and Carolyn (nee Walker) Elliott and Karen Dee.

TEACHING TEAM: Geoff Eccles, the first headteacher of Hillview, and his staff. Can you name them? Please e-mail Brian Little