- February 9, 2024
With our 60th Anniversary approaching, we rewind back to Friday 7 March 2014 as we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the school.
Originally published:
- March 11, 2014
Friday 7 March 2014 was a very special occasion as we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the school, which was officially opened on 7 March 1964. The school held a celebration assembly attended by Andy Burnham MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Health, who also unveiled a timeline created to mark the Golden Anniversary.
Students and staff dressed up for the occasion by wearing outfits from the Sixties through to the Noughties and some lessons were also based on the respective decades. The assembly continued with the theme of the last five decades and was a showcase of music and dance performed by students from all year groups. Andy Burnham was on hand to present certificates and prizes to the best dressed student and member of staff on what was an overwhelmingly successful and entertaining day.
At the end of the school day, Mr Burnham unveiled a commemorative timeline that highlights significant events dating as far back as 1770, when the first factories and mills were built in Tyldesley. It focuses on the school’s milestones over the past 50 years with recent achievements including being awarded Arts College status in 1997, hitting the top 10% of schools in Britain in 2002, being judged as ‘ Outstanding ’ by Ofsted in 2010 and receiving the Queen ’ s Award for Voluntary Service in 2013. It takes pride of place on the approach to the School Reception and can be viewed by visitors to the school.
Speaking during his visit Andy Burnham said, “What comes through for me is the confidence of the students and the enjoyment on everyone’s faces. That’s what the school is all about and the name Freddie’s is so well respected and well regarded. It’s a fantastic school and that’s a credit to the staff, parents and Governors. The school carries on setting new standards which puts it at the forefront locally and, [with its participation in the recent Qatar conference] top of the international tree as well! It’s obvious the talent that there is within the school and we are all very proud of the students. It’s just an absolute privilege and a pleasure to be here and mark the occasion”.
Jan Garretts, Headteacher, said, “I am proud and privileged to be Headteacher of the school at such an important moment in its history. Its success is due to the hard work and enthusiasm of many people over many years and we hope to go from strength to strength. Today’s celebrations have shown what an excellent community spirit there is within the school – and the talent and creativity of students and staff. It has been a thoroughly memorable and enjoyable day.”
The school has already planned further celebrations throughout the year with highlights being a Community Fun Day on Bank Holiday Monday 5 May 2014 and a charity football match on Saturday 12 July where a school team, made up of staff and students, will be playing a celebrity ‘ All Stars ’ team.
