Piecing together 100 years of education
Feb 6 2009 The Journal
A NORTH East school is launching an appeal to get the whole community involved in its centenary celebrations.
East Hartford Special School, near Cramlington, Northumberland, turns 100 this year and the headteacher is keen to hear from ex-pupils, teachers, governors and residents from the surrounding village.
Hugh Steele is appealing to anyone with a connection to the school to come forward with anecdotes, memories and old photographs.
The school would like to establish an archive spanning its 100-year history and involve the children in putting together a picture display.
The primary, in Scott Street, is holding an open evening next week for people to go along and share their stories and memorabilia.
Mr Steele, who has been the headteacher at East Hartford for four years, said: “We’d love to hear from anyone who has been involved with the school, or from people who live in the surrounding community.
“We want to involve our pupils in putting together a collection of pictures for a display, but it would also be great to be able to piece together the school’s history. We’d especially like to hear from anyone who could shed any light on the school’s involvement during notable events, such as the Queen’s Coronation or the end of the World Wars, as I’d imagine the school would have marked these occasions with a celebration.”
A lot has happened to the school during its 100 years.
When it opened in 1909, it was a mainstream school which was attended primarily by children from the East Hartford area.
It was only 20 years ago that it became a special school, catering for primary-age children with a range of diverse and complex learning difficulties.
It now has around 40 pupils.
Mr Steele said: “As our pupils learn best through experiencing things, we want to make the centenary celebration as interactive as possible.
“And we’re thinking of holding a traditional street party, to which all the community will be invited.”
The school’s centenary celebrations will run after the Easter holidays.
The open evening, when people can bring along their stories and photographs, will take place on Thursday, February 12 from 5pm.
Email admin@easthartford.
northumberland.sch.uk or call the school on: (01670) 713881.
