Blackrod Remembered
Blackrod Primary School was awarded a £10,000 grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to explore the schools’ heritage through a collation of oral histories, research, written memories, and artefacts spanning five decades of life in school from the 1940’s through to the 1990’s.
The school is abundant with history, a heritage which has never been explored and which was the driver for the project, 'Blackrod Remembered.’ Through this oral history project, twenty-five young historians aged 7-11 years of age engaged members of the local community to explore five decades of life in school from the 1940’s through to the 1990’s. Known as the ‘Heritage Hunters’ children worked closely with community members, past pupils, teachers and governors to uncover and record a wealth of stories and memories linked to the schools’ past since the 1940’s.
Children have viewed local archives with a historian and have recorded oral histories from visitors to the school. They have focused their learning on the education at the school, past uniforms, technology, punishment, school trips and dinners. Together with the children, community members have helped to capture the essence of what has made the school a cornerstone of the community over the years. The project has been made possible thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.
The goal of Blackrod Remembered is two-fold: to educate students about the schools’ rich heritage and to strengthen the sense of community belonging. It highlights the significant role that Blackrod Primary School played in the local community since it opened as a senior school in 1939 before becoming a primary in the 1960's.
So many people from across the community have given their time to share the most fantastic memories of life in the school and we would like to thank them all. This project is a powerful reminder of how history can connect us all, bridging generations and strengthening our community.
Mrs Mead, Head Teacher at Blackrod Primary School said, "We were delighted to have received funding for the Blackrod Remembered project. Thank you to National Lottery players. Blackrod Remembered is a great success as children have learnt skills of historical enquiry, listening to others, preparation and planning. To all members of our school and local community who have brought their memories to our children, we would like to thank you."