Recently, Runwell Community Primary School, which opened in Wickford in 1965, celebrated its 60th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the school welcomed alumni to commemorate the special occasion and share their experiences with its current pupils.
The former pupils, who attended the school between 1965 and the early 2000s, enjoyed a tour of the current facilities from pupil prefects, where they discussed how the school had changed over the years, including the expansion of classrooms, the introduction of school pets and the addition of an on-site nursery: Saplings.
Following the tour, all pupils at the school had the opportunity to have lunch with the guests, where they asked questions about their favourite lessons, teachers and memories. Stories shared by alumni included one about a music teacher ‘with a large, curled moustache, who would sit at the front of the class and twiddle it all day’, and another about the fierce competition between pupils to be chosen to do maypole dancing.
Rachel Anthony, Headteacher of Runwell Community Primary School, said: “It was an absolute joy to see all the children engage with our guests’ stories so attentively. There have been many exciting changes since our former pupils were with us and it was a wonderful opportunity for them to explore the school and how lifestyles and cultures have evolved over more than half a century. Pupils received some interesting and insightful life advice and were excited to learn more about our rich history. While a lot has changed in the past 60 years, our role in the community has not and we are so thankful we were able to celebrate this occasion together.”
Runwell Community Primary School has numerous anniversary events throughout the academic year, including a 60s themed hat parade and an excavation of a time capsule that was buried in the 1960s, which will take place in April. To learn more about upcoming events, visit: https://runwellprimary.co.uk/
