Anniversary celebrations at Wincham Primary School

The original school on Church Street was known as St Andrew’s, and opened in 1896.

The school continued to grow over the decades, and in 1976 a new school was opened for the infants, while the juniors remained in the old school until it closed in 1984.

Friday’s celebrations marked the school’s 120th anniversary, and its 40th anniversary on the present site at the corner of Linnards Lane and Church Street.

An assembly looked at how the school has changed over the past 120 years, with each class recreating a different decade.

Year five children created a film clip in the style of old silent movies depicting the 1920s, 30s and 40s, including Charleston dancing.

Year two pupils dressed in 1960s gear and sang Hey Jude by The Beatles, and the year one/two class brought everyone into the 1980s with a rendition of the Kylie and Jason hit Especially for You.

“A number of past staff and pupils joined the occasion, following the children out onto the playground as the old school bell was rung 12 times, once for each decade of the school’s history,” said head teacher Diane Deakin.

“The bell ringing was performed by Aiden McCabe, the youngest child in the school, and Izzy Barton, the eldest.

“The new school flag was hoisted up the flagpole. It has been designed by Jessica Bradburn, who won a competition to design a flag to mark the school’s special anniversary.

“Jessica was presented with a certificate and a replica flag of her design. She was delighted.”

Guests enjoyed refreshments as they browsed an anniversary display and enjoyed standing in an 1896 classroom created for the day.

The children had their own 120th anniversary parties in their classrooms, and there was a family picnic on the school field on Sunday.

The children played a variety of games including rounders, tug of war and kite flying.

“There were many highlights of the celebrations on Friday, and there was a wonderful village atmosphere at the picnic,” added Diane.