Many changes have taken place at the school since the 1960s. The long battle to acquire the land for the school’s playing field finally ended successfully in the 1970s. It appears that the previous owner, the late Pat Collins, had left the land to the Education Authority for a nominal fee. As a result the school now has an excellent facility, and a properly surfaced area in front of the main gates.


The school today with the well-surfaced area by the front gates.

Another result of the development was the rear entrance at the back of the playground facing Moxley Road, and the level crossing on the dual carriageway.

The school also acquired its own swimming pool, situated in the building on the north-eastern side of the playground. The pool is used by the infants, the lower juniors, and is shared with neighbouring schools. It has also been used by Darlaston Swimming Club.

The school football team with Mr. Hunter in about 1973. Back row left to right:  Lee Bullock, Ian Sims, Paul Baker, John Thomas, Ian Kitson, ?  Front row left to right:  Tim ?, Alan Wilkinson, Ian Cresswell, Glenn Humpage, Paul Phillips, Kevin Cook, Terry Hurley. In the corridor in the background is Mr. Lockey talking to two children. The photograph was kindly sent by Terry Hurley.
Other building work includes an extension on the north-eastern end of the original building, above the old entrance. The extension originally consisted of two offices, one for the head teacher and another for the school secretary. Today it houses the school’s computer suite, which reflects the excellent provision of modern technology throughout the school, including the use of interactive white boards.
The biggest changes took place in 1995 when the original hall was converted into classrooms, and replaced by a larger, up-to-date hall, along with a kitchen, storage rooms and offices.

The new extension was officially opened on 9th February, 1996 by local M.P. Bruce George and Councillor Mrs. Doreen Farrell, the chair of the school governors.


The new extension.

Another change was the introduction of a school uniform in 1994 consisting of the following:

Boys:
Grey/black trousers, navy blue pullover/sweatshirt, grey or white shirt, and a maroon tie.

Girls:
Navy blue skirt/tunic, navy blue cardigan/sweatshirt, white blouse, and a maroon tie. A blue/white checked dress may be worn in the summer.


A corner of the school playing field.

 There have been many changes in staff since the 1960s. Mr. Mayland retired in 1977 after 24 years at the school.

He was presented with a silver galley tray, a crystal decanter, glasses, and a bottle of whisky by the children; a cassette player by the staff; and an oil painting by the parents’ association. He intended to enjoy his retirement doing some gardening and oil painting.

The school staff in about 1975. Courtesy of Sue Harper, Gill Broomhall and Maureen Page.

Names Left to Right:
Back Row: Iris Martin, Elaine Simms, ? , Chris Evans,
Elaine Stevens, ? , Jo Birch, John Hayward.

Front Row: Barbara ?, Edith Bourne, June Roderick,
Mr. Mayland, Mr. Lockey, Margaret Peterkin,
Wendy Corbett.

Mr. Mayland’s replacement was Mr. R. Millington, who stayed until 1995 and was in turn replaced by today’s head teacher, Mr. Ian Hankinson.

Another familiar face left the school in 1988 when Mr. Maybury retired. He started as school caretaker in 1957 and became a dedicated and well-liked member of staff.

On his retirement he was presented with a microwave oven by the governors, staff, and mothers’ association. The children and their parents gave him a teasmade.
Cliff Maybury. Courtesy of Sue Harper, Gill Broomhall and Maureen Page.
The 2004/2005 Girl's Football Team. Courtesy of Sue Harper, Gill Broomhall and Maureen Page.

Names Left to Right:

Back Row: Charlotte Steadman, Lauren Cook, Jade Moseley, Marissa Cook.

Front Row: Natalie Cook, Fiona Taylor,
Pheobe Richards.

 

Sport is still actively encouraged at the school. There are football teams for both boys and girls, and in Year 6, children take part in Walsall Football Club Liaison activities. The school still participates in Darlaston Swimming Galas and athletics competitions, and the older juniors take part in outdoor activities such as orienteering, canoeing, sailing and camping.

A visit to the school today reveals a great number of changes, but also a few old surviving surprises. Today’s school is very security conscious, as it has to be. When I attended the school in the 1950s there were several entrances and exits, all unlocked and readily accessible. Sadly this isn’t possible in today’s turbulent world. The security of the children is paramount and so entry is by a single, locked door, with an intercom, which is the first change I noticed on my arrival.

Stepping inside reveals the bright modern décor, a great improvement on the simple, old fashioned paintwork of the 1950s.

The modern extension with its large hall and offices is very different to how things used to be, but memories soon return on entering the old building. The old classrooms are laid out less formally, but a close inspection soon reveals some of the old cupboards and a few of the old desks. Several rooms still have the same doors and the old block-paved floor, which still smells the same, and is very nostalgic. The familiar heating system with its large radiators and thick pipes has stood the test of time, as have most of the original widows. I was also delighted to see the old school bell sitting on a windowsill and still serving its original purpose.

Some of the changes are very dramatic. In my time at the school, computers were vast futuristic machines that played no part in every day life. Today of course this couldn’t be more different. Most households have access to the internet and have at least one computer. The school has thoroughly embraced modern technology. There is a computer suite, and computers are to be found throughout much of the school, in use as a teaching aid, with interactive white boards.


The school bell.


The staff in 2006. Courtesy of Sue Harper, Gill Broomhall and Maureen Page.

There are now 310 children on the roll and 14 classes, two for each year. Years 3 and 4 are mixed, which works very well and improves standards.

The classes are as follows:

Reception Diamond Mrs. McCall
  Ruby Mrs. Mills
Year 1 1S Mrs. Short
  1D Ms. Dixon
Year 2  2M Miss Morris
  2R Mrs. Russell and Mr Steventon
Year3 and 4 3/4C Miss Cubberley
  3/4G Mrs. Gibbons
  3/4 H Miss Horton
  3/4Y Miss Yates
Year  5 5CW Mrs. Wilkinson
  5NF Miss Frugony
Year 6 6SR Mrs Roberts
  6RN  Mr. Newman

I was pleased to see that some of the old and important things have not been forgotten. There are two lovely, well-laid out libraries, positively attracting the children to step inside and explore the delights of a good book.

The staff are as friendly, enthusiastic, and willing for the children to learn as were their predecessors. The happy atmosphere still survives and the children are polite and well mannered. If I had to start out in life again, and had the opportunity to return as a pupil, I would happily do so.
   
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