Shropshire Star

Telford school holds heritage week for 60th anniversary - with pictures

A Telford primary school has taken a trip through the ages as it celebrates its 60th anniversary.

Published
Headteacher Sarah Cogins, centre, with teachers Gemma Everson and Helen Hurford who organised the heritage event

St Patrick's Catholic School, in Wellington, has held a heritage week as it sees its 60th year in its current location.

Members of the public have been invited into the school to see an array of heritage displays in what saw two former school friends reunite after more than 50 years apart.

Old photos, registers, and school work dating back to the schools origin were just some of the items on show.

Each of the school's 258 pupils took part in focusing on sections of its history, including how sports education has changed and 50s playground games.

Disco

Gay Kendrick, 78, who has been associated with St Patrick's since 1976 and is the current head of governors, said the display was a perfect end to an action-packed week.

"There's been lots of things going on throughout the week all to do with the school's heritage," she said.

"We've had a 1950s mufti day, a 50s lunch and a 50s disco. One of the former headteachers from the 70s also came in to give a speech about how the school has changed since he was here which all the students thoroughly enjoyed, throwing lots of questions his way.

An old photo of a classroom

"There has been lots of interest in the school's displays from friends, family and general members of the public from the area so it's been amazing to show off all the children's hard work.

"It's almost surprising how much the children have engaged with this week. We've had some incredibly intelligent questions and comments on how life used to be for schoolchildren in Telford back then. Our current pupils have taken a real interest in it."

The primary school originated from a smaller school in Mill Bank, Wellington, and moved to its current site on North Road in 1958.