Hartlepool schools join in Queen's birthday celebrations

Patriotic pupils, parents and staff at Brougham Primary School in Hartlepool enjoyed a day of regal themed activities as part of the national celebrations going on.

Brougham combined lessons learning about the Royal Family with a banquet lunch, castle making competition and fair to which the whole school community was invited to.

Headteacher Julie Thomas said: “They have had a ball. We have tried to involve everybody to celebrate the fact that the Queen is 90 and also promote British values.

“The aim has been to recreate that community feeling whenever the Queen has a big event and street parties take place.”

Pupils Phoebe Ditchburn and Peter Tunney played the part of school Queen and King, opening the fair in the afternoon and judging the best castles made out of everyday boxes and also Lego.

Miss Thomas said the celebrations were an extension of the school’s curriculum to do with the Royal Family which also involves an annual trip to London to see Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament.

She added: “The teaching assistants have taken activities for the Queen’s birthday on board and have been amazing.

“The best thing has also been seeing the parents and families become so involved with the project.”

Friday saw the start of three days of events to mark the Queen’s official birthday celebrations. Her real birthday when she turned 90 was in April.

In London, the Queen attended a celebration of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral and Saturday sees the Trooping of the Colour parade followed by an RAF flypast over Buckingham Palace.

West View Primary School also joined in the celebrations after learning all about the Monarchy.

They spent the week baking cakes, writing invitations and learning the National Anthem.

Yesterday, children and staff went to school dressed in red, white and blue and had a party with face painting, games and afternoon tea.

Among the numerous events taking place in Hartlepool this weekend are Brownies holding a street part at Hartlepool Sixth Form College and residents in Arncliffe Gardens throwing a party.

Various activities and a car boot sale are also taking place at Ye Olde Durhams Social Club on Saturday.

And a number of local bands and a community choir will be singing on Saturday at Hartlepool Raliway Station which will also be getting out the bunting.