The school diary in the USSR looked somewhat different from modern diaries. It consisted of a notebook and contained information about the class schedule, homework, grades, and other important aspects of study.
The lesson schedule was written on the first pages of the diary and included the start and end time of each lesson, the teacher, and the class and room number. In addition, students could make notes and entries in the diary to track their successes and shortcomings.
Homework was also recorded in the diary, and students were required to complete all assignments on time to receive high grades. If a student did not complete an assignment, he or she could receive a bad grade or even be expelled from school.
At the end of each quarter, students received grades for their academic performance, which were recorded in a diary. Grades were given on a five-point scale, and parents were required to sign the diary to show that they were monitoring their children’s progress.
Sometimes the teacher would write a remark in the diary. Usually about the student’s bad behavior. After such remarks, parents would take educational measures. For example, they wouldn’t let me go for a walk. It was a real tragedy. There were 2 programs on TV and, as a rule, there was nothing to watch. All that was left was to read, because there were no computers or smartphones back then.
In addition to school notes, the diary could also be used to record other important events, such as friends’ birthdays and holidays.
The school diary in the USSR was an important tool for monitoring students’ studies, and students were required to carry it with them to school at all times in order to be prepared for each lesson.