Before the Chalet School: The Bettanys on the Home Front Paperback – 24 Nov. 2015

Set during the First World War, introducing the Bettany family, and describing girls' schooling during the War. Madge's life at the local High School compared to her twin brother's experience at a boarding school. The life on the Home Front, bombing raids on seaside towns, the local "Pals" regiment and the devastation when many are lost in battle, and the general disruption to home life are all included. How this influences Madge's later career, setting up the Chalet School and her educational ethos are also implicit in the plot. The use of the Prefect system, the curriculum, the sports are all things that will re-appear in the Chalet School.An entertaining book setting the scene for the Bettany's of Taverton High and the Chalet School series.