National Film Unit visits Sumner School for the Deaf – Student life

A typical day at Sumner School for the Deaf is captured by the Government’s National Film Unit. Scenes include: a boys’ physical education class taking place outside on the front lawn in front of the iconic building; a gardening class; reading session; meal time; and finally children going to bed. The next day, a speech class is held with a group of boys, a part of the curriculum which was very common in those days. Girls are seen sewing some garments both by hand and with a sewing machine while the boys are doing a woodwork class.