Time captured by memories

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the supplement by BEA Systems, every pupil in all participating schools will receive a copy to treasure for years to come.

The purpose of the supplement is to give an insight into the distinctive character of individual schools and something of the lives and thoughts of pupils at the turn of the century. Pupils and teachers have been given the opportunity to report on school events and initiatives from their own perspective and to provide a valuable resource for historians of the future.

Resolutions for the new millennium

IF you haven't yet made any new year resolutions, pupils in class 2 at St John The Baptist RC Junior School, Burnley, have come up with a few ideas, sure to appeal to parents.

"After much discussion and debate, we put all our ideas of how we might become better children in the year 2000 to the vote. These were the five most popular resolutions" -

1. To remember the words 'please' and 'thank you' and to use them.

2. To be kind to others.

3. To keep our bedrooms tidy.

4. To go to bed when we are told.

5. To make our beds every day.

"We wonder if children in the future will still be trying to remember to do these things."

Now the hard part is over!

CONTINUING the theme of new beginnings, 1999 was a year to remember for Stella Brassington and Laura Hallam starting school at Westholme School in Blackburn.

Their report tells us that the difference between them is that Laura, aged three, was setting out in Westholme's nursery, while Stella, somewhat older, was the Head of Lower School.

Laura is enthusiastic. She said: "I like being at nursery and I'm only three. I always want to be in school. I'll have fun on Friday and then I have Saturday off!"

Stella comments: "New faces, new routines and new surroundings can all seem rather daunting so I felt I had something in common with the nursery pupils as we set out together for a new future at Billinge House.

" We all had exciting challenges ahead but we also had a lot to learn. I must say the children took it rather well, the odd wobbly lip and tight clenching of mummy's hand notwithstanding, and now we've all settled to school life. The hard part's over.

"We have made some friends, we know where to put our satchels and how to manage the velcro on our painting aprons."

She reflects: "It is one of the privileges of teaching to be part of children's new experiences and to share and support them through a time of their lives which may seem a little bit scary, but which is also exciting and fun."

The joy of our environment

PUPILS are very much aware of the environment, whether out on a school trip or simply walking to school as short extracts from two reports describe -

A school trip to Ambleside from Darwen Moorland High School by year seven pupil Leanne Bury.

"........my friends and I went right to the front of the boat where the wind was strong. As we got off at Bowness, the sun was just peeping through the clouds, ready for our lovely walk in the woods.

"To be honest, I think that everyone was tired, but we still had a great laugh, jumping over puddles, climbing on stiles and getting really muddy. And when we did get to the top of the hill we were rewarded with a wonderful view of the mountains........"

Two pupils in year four at Green Haworth CE Primary School, Ashley Antrobus and James Rosthorn write about their own school........"it is surrounded by lots of peaceful countryside with a variety of animals. In fact farm animals are regular visitors to school and sometimes cause enjoyable havoc!

"Trudging through the snow in welly boots is a regular activity in winter as our village of Green Haworth is high up. The meandering roads leading to school are difficult to negotiate in snow and ice and sometimes result in excited children learning that the school is shut."

2000, a year of poignancy

FOR one special school, the year 2000 will be an especially poignant time as it is due to close and re-open, amalgamated with a neighbouring school.

Teacher Alison Forde from Dame Evelyn Fox School, Blackburn, writes that "...after two very successful Ofsted inspections and being credited with the Investors in People Award, everything we do in this millennium year is probably being done for the last time...We still manage to involve our pupils in some exciting and trend-setting projects.

"One such is the development of a Religious Sensory Garden, the only one of its type in the country, although others have been planned elsewhere.

"The aim was to create a garden with particular features associated with Christianity, Hinduism and Islam, which would help pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties to experience belonging, reflection, religious festivals and stillness, both alone and with friends and religious leaders.

"The garden was planned and built by staff and students from our own Bridge Unit of students aged 16-19. Each of the three faith areas has flowers chosen for their aroma, taste, texture and sound. We hope to have special prayers and perhaps plant new additions to the garden to celebrate the millennium."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.