Past and present invited to say farewell to old Wirral school building (From Wirral Globe)

Past and present invited to say farewell to old Wirral school building

4:49pm Monday 28th June 2010 in News By Stephanie Cureton

PUPILS past and present will say a fond farewell to a Wirral school this summer as the doors close for the last time.

Woodchurch High School will say goodbye to its Carr Bridge Road site and re-open in September at a brand new £25 million building next door.

To mark the closure, the school is running a series of special open days for former pupils and staff to take a trip down memory lane.

They will take place this Friday and Saturday July, 2 and 3.

The school first opened 53 years ago and consisted of separate sections for boys and girls.

Work began on the new school at the beginning of 2009 and pupils were given the opportunity to have their say.

Consultations and 'design days' were held in a bid to bring the children's ideas on board for their new learning environment.

Former pupil, Steve Smith, was one of the very first children to be taught at Woodchurch in 1957 and is looking forward to meeting up with old class mates.

He told the Globe: "I can honestly say that my time at Woodchurch was one of the happiest times of my life. I remember the first time I walked through the doors and I was just amazed at how bright and inviting everything was. Everyone was so friendly and the atmosphere created by staff was excellent.

"My favourite teacher was Mr King who taught us English and who was also our form tutor. Of course, like everyone I wish I had worked harder during my school years but that doesn't stop looking back with a big smile on my face."

Demolition of the old site will begin on July, 22 and pupils will return in September to their new state-of-the-art school.

Headteacher, Rebekah Philips, said feelings of excitement and anticipation continue to build as the final day draws near.

She said: "The atmosphere around school is incredible at the moment. We're all feeling very nostalgic but also excited about the move.

"The new school has fantastic ICT and science facilities. We will continue to raise the standard of education for the children and give them the highest level of teaching in a 21st century environment."

They will take place on July, 2 and July, 3.

For more information on this weekend's open days, call 0151 677 5257.