A primary school is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a whole host of celebrations throughout the year.

The Comet: Trotts Hill staff in 1997. Picture courtesy of Liz Evans.Trotts Hill staff in 1997. Picture courtesy of Liz Evans. (Image: Archant)

Trotts Hill Primary School and Nursery opened in Wisden Road, Stevenage, in 1968 with just three teachers, and has expanded over the decades to now having eight classes, with the shool oversubscribed and waiting lists for many of the year groups.

Headteacher Liz Evans said: “The school has seen many changes over the last 50 years.

“We still have the original notes kept by the first headteacher, detailing the school’s opening with no working telephone or running cold water.”

The year of celebrations began with Decade Day in September, when pupils and staff dressed in a style from the last 50 years, or as a notable person from this period.

The Comet: Staff on Decade Day at Trotts Hill. Picture courtesy of Liz Evans.Staff on Decade Day at Trotts Hill. Picture courtesy of Liz Evans. (Image: Archant)

Costumes included hippies, Spice Girls, Pink Ladies and astronaut Neil Armstrong, and pupils danced their way through the decades with dance teacher and former pupil Stephen Sapsed.

Mrs Evans said: “On Decade Day the whole school community had great fun celebrating.

“I was extremely proud of the children and parents for the effort they made.”

The children have also recorded a CD of music that spans the last 50 years, which is being sold to raise funds for the school and for the Kadoma Link Association - a town twinning group between Stevenage and Kadoma in Zimbabwe.

In December, pupils will be planting a tree in the school grounds to mark the anniversary and a reunion of former staff and pupils will be held in March.

Former pupils and staff will also be invited to the school’s summer fair in July, where there will be a focus on the history of Trotts Hill.

Teaching assistant Sue Hopkins, who has worked at the school for 28 years, said: “A lot has changed over the years I’ve worked here, but the school retains its special feel.”

Year 2 class teacher and senior leader Ayesha Dent added: “Over the years the feeling of community and a sense of unity has always been a great strength in this school.

“The children, teachers and parents care, and always try their upmost to work together.”

Mrs Evans said: “Trotts Hill Primary School holds a special place in the hearts of pupils and staff, both past and present, and we look forward to many decades ahead.”