PUPILS past and present will be celebrating the 120th anniversary of Cradley CE Primary School next month.

As part of the celebrations, the school’s current youngsters will be going back in time to learn about Cradley in 1897, while ex-students are being invited to a special open afternoon.

The first part of the Church Road school was originally built in 1854, but 43 years later – to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria – the next part was added at a cost of £1,200.

Next month, the school is holding a local history fortnight, where all classes will be learning about what life would have been like for children back in 1897. The children will be using log books and archive materials to find out more about the history of the school.

Ledbury Reporter:

Cradley CE Primary School’s young footballers pictured in 1950-1951. Photo: Mick Perry.

Also taking place at the school will be a visiting theatre group, a Victorian school day, a family picnic and playground games from the Victorian times.

Marcia Harris, headteacher, said: “We have tracked down the school log book in Worcester archive so children will be exploring this to find out more about the school back then.

“We are also burying a time capsule and the children will be deciding what to put into it during discussions with their teachers.”

Pupils will also be creating a ‘memory lane‘ display and the school is asking past pupils, staff and governors to contribute, memories, photographs and memorabilia which will be unveiled at the open afternoon on Friday, September 22.

Mrs Harris added: “We are inviting people back for a 'trip down memory lane' from 1.30pm to 4pm.

“The children will be putting on a display of their research into life in 1897 and will take visitors on a tour of the school and of course offer refreshments.”

Anyone who would like to contribute items to the display can email them directly to Mrs Harris at mharris@cradley-p.dudley.sch.uk.

They can also be posted to Cradley CE Primary School, Church Road, Halesowen, B63 2UL, or brought to the school and office staff will scan them and return the originals.

People wanting to confirm their attendance at the open afternoon can do so by calling 01384 818230.