Welwyn Garden City school celebrates its 90th birthday

A Welwyn Garden City primary school’s pupils put on a special concert to celebrate its 90th birthday.

Songs by Elvis Presley, The Jackson 5 and the Spice Girls were among classics ringing around Peartree’s hall, as costumed youngsters performed for former pupils yesterday.

Visitors also learnt about the school’s history, digesting details of how it originally opened in Peartree Clubhouse, before moving into the current building 18 months later.

Reflecting on the youngsters’ performance, Peartreeonian Sue Green, 78, said: “It was lovely. We were all just saying they had a lot more confidence than we did at that age.”

Lucy Price, also 78, added: “When you look at the radiators and some of the classrooms they are the same.

“It was a happy time.”

At one point in the nostalgic morning, a dozen children dressed up as their elderly predecessors, with one bellowing: “I can’t believe I’m 90 years old – can you remember when the toilets were outside?”, to which the audience responded in unison: “Yes!”

Reflecting on the dances, Year 3’s Jada-Faye said: “It was hard when we first heard it but then when we started doing it I got the hang of it.”

After the music, the youngsters walked their predecessors down memory lane by touring them around the building.

Headteacher Claire Herbert said: “Everyone was so impressed with how well the children performed and how proud they are of their school.

“After the show there was an opportunity to eat birthday cake and share memories.

“It was a wonderful way to celebrate all the fantastic things that have taken place at Peartree, both in the past and now.

“I am very proud to be headteacher of such a lovely, forward-thinking, inclusive school.”