The afternoon of 29th September saw a very special occasion – an event to celebrate Greenshaw High School's 50th anniversary.

Over 300 former students and staff attended the event, together with current members of staff. Visitors were greeted by the festive sight of bunting and balloons waving in the autumn sunshine, whilst former members of staff from the music department could be heard singing from inside the school hall.

Headteacher, Mr House, and former headteachers, John Fuller (1990 to 2010) and Will Smith (2010 to 2015), then officially opened the proceedings by welcoming the visitors and sharing their memories of Greenshaw. Mr House said that the school’s ethos and vision had not changed over the years and it remained a special place, even though much of the school had changed and evolved.

This was followed by a fabulous fashion show – called The GHS Surplus Collection – which was created from old Greenshaw uniform by GCSE and A level Fashion and Textiles students with Mr Broniecki, Greenshaw’s Head of Fashion and Textiles. Students modelled their creations and then gave the audience a sneak preview of the Year 13 final fashion collection.

Our visitors then enjoyed a barbecue and drinks in the school quadrangle, whilst being entertained by music through the decades from an ex-student. Former students and staff took the opportunity to have tours of the school, where they explored their old haunts and marvelled at the new extension and recent building improvements. Many commented on the fantastic displays of student work around the school.

The school has received many thanks from visitors following the event. David Carman, class of 1983 said: “On behalf of the 77-84 Greenshaw Group (Facebook), and I will also cautiously assume on behalf of everyone else whom attended the wonderful celebrations that was the 50th Anniversary Reunion 2018, we wish to commend and congratulate the entire Greenshaw High School team that contributed their time to ensure such a wonderful and memorable occasion.

“Of course, the laughs, the tears, the memories evoked and stirred up must give way to the certainty that Greenshaw has in some way influenced its alumni and shaped the lens through which we grew to view the world and gave direction to our futures.

“It is and shall always remain 'OUR SCHOOL', and the friendships we've retained over the years are the foundations of our lives. Thank you, Greenshaw, for everything.”

All of those attending the event received a stylish commemorative glass to mark the occasion. Plans are also being made to celebrate the anniversary with current students and members of staff.