Duke Street Primary School is celebrating its centenary. Opened in 1915, as Duke Street Council School, the establishment has been marking the centenary in a variety of ways. These include a trip to Chorley Little Theatre for some silent movie fun, and the creation of a mosaic (designed and constructed by all the children under professional guidance). The design was reproduced on a commemorative mug, presented by the governors to the children. A centenary street party and family picnic, accompanied an eclectic mix of music and dance has also been enjoyed by the whole school family. A humorous Year 6 Music Hall production, “Duke Street’s Got Talent 1915” was also performed. The children have recently written, performed and recorded a centenary song “That’s What Duke Street Means to Me.”
The final celebratory events of the year have been the creation of a permanent centenary canopy to link the main school building to the nurture block, the installation of a time capsule and a Centenary Open Day on Thursday 12th November, when visitors were given guided tours of the school by members of the school council.
VIP visitors on the day included Lyndsay Hoyle MP and the Mayor of Chorley, Marion Lowe. Former members of staff and ex-pupils attended as well as parents of children currently at the school or due to start next year. Mr Sellars, who taught here for 35 years, and also was previously a pupil in the 1930s, was particularly moved by his visit. Visitors commented on the warm and welcoming atmosphere at the school and the positive feel to the working environment. It was a very happy day indeed.
Thanks go to the school council children for being such proud ambassadors for the school when showing visitors around, well-trained by Mrs Quinton, who also compiled archive material for visitors to look at. A big thank you goes to all staff and children, for their efforts in preparing for open day and for the enthusiasm shown on the day itself. It certainly was a memorable occasion. Amongst other lessons, we had aliens landing in Reception, and a taste of education as it was in 1915 for some KS2 children. The Mayor, and Lyndsay Hoyle MP and all the other many visitors throughout an incredibly busy day were very impressed. Thanks also to the PTFA for providing refreshments throughout the day.
