Staff and pupils at Risca Community Comprehensive School have celebrated its 40th anniversary with a series of special commemorative events.
The school, on Pontymason Lane, was officially opened by Her Majesty The Queen on June 24, 1977 – her Silver Jubilee year.
The anniversary was marked on Friday, June 23, with a special assembly focussing on the school’s successes over the past 40 years, and an evening concert is being held on Friday, June 30.
As part of the celebrations a time capsule charting the first 40 years of school life at Risca will be buried later this year. The capsule will contain news articles from when the Queen opened the school in 1977, photographs of the school in 1977 and 2017, CDs containing the most popular songs of 1977 and 2017 as well as a full school photograph of current pupils.
Olympic silver medallist Jamie Baulch returned to his old school for the special assembly and unveiled the capsule.
Headteacher John Kendall said: “I feel privileged to be the head teacher of our school as we celebrate our 40th anniversary.
“I am honoured to be part of this wonderful community, and grateful to all the pupils, staff, parents, governors and friends of Risca Community Comprehensive School, past and present, who have been so supportive and who have made such a great contribution to our success.”
As part of the school’s 40th anniversary celebrations, a book about its history is being written by former Newbridge Comprehensive deputy head Nick Thomas.
The book will tell the story of how pupils, prior to the school’s opening in 1977, had to attend classes at five different sites across Risca.
These included a church, a library, and even the headmaster’s house.
When it was time to open the new building, pupils and staff had to make the move themselves without the help of contractors.
Mr Thomas was asked to write the book by Mr Kendall and is set to be released later this year.
• The special anniversary concert, hosted by BBC Wales Today presenter, Rebecca John, takes place at Risca Leisure Centre on Friday June 30 at 7pm, tickets are free and are available from the school by calling 01633 612 425.