The Primary School in Photographs
Part 2

When Marion Kershaw retired in July 1972, the newly appointed headteacher David Cummings and his staff, prepared to take the pupils from the old school buildings into the modern era. The two old schools in Christleton dating from the 1800’s had been managed and administered by the Church of England. The new building in Quarry Lane was to be run by the Cheshire County Education Authority, who were already leading the way in a new style of education in modern premises. I had already experienced this, helping lead the same procedure for two similar schools housed in Victorian buildings in nearby Tattenhall. and Burwardsley, creating The Park County Primary Community School.

The style of the new building in Quarry Lane, Christleton was a revolution in design. It had open plan classrooms with carpeted floors, indoor toilets and even a hall for Assemblies. There was a playing field on site, so the days of walking up to King George’s field behind the Pit were over. However the first months of the school’s life were beset with problems, as the country was in the throes of a three day week and huge industrial unrest, so most of the new furniture, lighting units and equipment couldn’t be obtained, and we made do with any equipment that could be found from other school’s, and County stores.

The new building in Quarry Lane finally opened its doors on 22nd April 1974, and the children walked in classes through the village with their teachers, from the old schools to the new building. It was a wonderful occasion for everyone, especially as we were welcomed by local farmer, Councillor Wilf & Mrs Mitchell, Mayor and Mayoress of Chester that year, outside the new building. The pictures below capture those moments of joy for everyone, as can be seen on the smiles on the faces of all involved. The new building brought with it a new era of education, and a new status for the now Christleton County Primary School, within the village.

My aim with the support of children, staff and parents was to create a school that was a living part of community, involving children in village life and inviting village organisations to meet at the school. Continuity was provided by long serving members of support staff, Jean Carline, Joan Walley and Ethel Morris, who had all served the schools in Christleton for more than thirty years. Parents were actively encouraged to play an important role, and a School Association was formed, which now, fifty years later still plays a very prominent part in school life. Governors, initially led by the late Rector Charles Mack, have also played a vital part in the development of the school.

This new building provided the inspiration for a new type of learning. It helped improve educational standards, and children were treated as individuals or as members of small groups. The children worked with teams of teachers, who shared both expertise and resources. We expanded the former curriculum, by introducing art, pottery, needlecraft, dance drama and music. The pupils, both boys and girls, (very unusual in those days) were also introduced to a wide range of sports; swimming, table tennis, orienteering, touch rugby, football, netball, athletics, cricket and gymnastics.

Educational visits were also to form an important part of the learning process, and the children visited museums in Chester, York and Liverpool. They were also taken on residential visits to Delamere Forest Outdoor Centre, Burwardley and Beeston Field Centres, Tattenhall Arts Centre and Youths Hostels at Bangor in North Wales and the Lake District.

To be continued.