FORMER students, staff, teachers and families are being sought to help celebrate 70 years of The Chase School in Malvern.
The organisers would love to hear memories and see photographs from the past seven decades of the renowned school.
Mike Fieldhouse, Headteacher said “We are looking to bring together memories and photographs from all those who have had a connection to The Chase over the last 70 years, and our aim is to have each decade represented and featured in our celebrations this summer.”
The Chase officially opened on April 21, 1953, with 233 students, but came into existence as early as 1949 when architectural plans were approved and building began. It was in response to an increase in the local population after the Second World War.
The Chase introduced a major change in the provision of secondary education for children in the town.
Before 1953, children over the age of 11 attended Manor Park School, (more recently Malvern Hills College).
Some gained scholarships to grammar schools at Hanley Castle, Ledbury or Worcester.
Originally designed for 450 students, The Chase quickly exceeded this figure which, by 1954, stood at 800.
Students were given a broad education, with particular emphasis on commercial and practical subjects.
In addition to GCEs in the traditional subjects, girls could also gain qualifications in courses such as Pitman shorthand and typing, book-keeping, hygiene, pre-nursing and domestic science. Boys left with qualifications in horticulture, rural science, wood and metal work.
Today the school has more than 1,300 students aged between 11 and 18.
Anyone wanting to be part of the celebration can email [email protected] for more information and to submit memories and pictures before the end of March.
