I remember the 1960s when we used to wear smocks like this to protect our school clothing. Not in summer, because frocks were easily washed, but the woollen uniform had to be dry-cleaned so it was a good idea.
My mother brought us up to wear an apron in the kitchen too: it was a lot less work, she said, to wash and iron an apron!
I grew up in the 60’s, as well, and we were required to wear dresses, knee level, but no smocks (in the U.S.). The thing about this picture that grabbed my heart was realizing that their whole world would drastically change in a matter of months; dress, language, subjects taught, etc.
Absolutely. Have you seen anything of the French TV series Un Village Français. In that, the first episode shows what happens to children out on an excusions with their teacher, the school being commandeered by the Germans, and the head teacher is under threat because she was Jewish. It’s an excellent series.
No I haven’t. I will look for it. Thank you
Mine in the late 60s in France was about the same (near Troyes), and definitely with the same desks!
My French Quest 
I remember the 1960s when we used to wear smocks like this to protect our school clothing. Not in summer, because frocks were easily washed, but the woollen uniform had to be dry-cleaned so it was a good idea.
My mother brought us up to wear an apron in the kitchen too: it was a lot less work, she said, to wash and iron an apron!
I grew up in the 60’s, as well, and we were required to wear dresses, knee level, but no smocks (in the U.S.). The thing about this picture that grabbed my heart was realizing that their whole world would drastically change in a matter of months; dress, language, subjects taught, etc.
Absolutely. Have you seen anything of the French TV series Un Village Français. In that, the first episode shows what happens to children out on an excusions with their teacher, the school being commandeered by the Germans, and the head teacher is under threat because she was Jewish. It’s an excellent series.
No I haven’t. I will look for it. Thank you
Mine in the late 60s in France was about the same (near Troyes), and definitely with the same desks!