A candid moment in a Grade 3 classroom shows some students sitting up straight as they were no doubt instructed, while others are in motion and deep in conversation.

Three adults stand at the front of class, likely a teacher and visiting parents for an Education Week open classroom, and the walls are covered in students’ work and posters. The chalkboard reads: “Grade 3D welcome all parents to their room, and invite them to look around” and “My most frightening adventure”. We’re not suggesting the two are connected!

While the neat rows of wooden two-seater desks have gone, the mix of mischief and concentration are proof that some things about school life never really change.