The Gordon Children’s Academy, in Strood, opened their doors to the community on Friday 20th December, to celebrate their 125th birthday. To mark the occasion, the school welcomed the Mayor of Medway, Cllr Marian Nestorov and his Mayoress to the event, to unveil a series of commemorative mosaics designed and created by the children of the school. This was a touching full-circle moment, reflective of the day the school first opened in 1899 with the then Mayor of Medway in attendance.
The academy, part of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, invited the local community, parents, students and staff to join in the festivities, including members of the school’s Governing body and the Trust’s executive team.
The student choir wowed attendees with their repertoire of songs depicting what it means to be a ‘Gordon Great’, while families and staff were invited to contribute to the final mosaic, peruse the Gordon Museum, supported by the Medway Archive Centre, and partake in the enjoyable festive stalls prepared by the Parent Teacher Association (PTA).
In preparation for the event, the school started their milestone celebrations in the Summer, launching their first Founders Day event followed by monthly activities to mark the occasion, including their Victorian Day. The school was transported back in time with children and staff attending in Victorian attire and lessons being structured to mimic the subjects that would have taken place when the school opened, such as practical skills, like sowing or making a bed.
Jeremy from Guildhall Museum in Rochester demonstrated a Penny-Farthing bike in assembly, detailing its origins and highlighting the familiarities and differences to bikes today.
Ella Martin, Deputy Headteacher of the school and lead of the event, commented: “It’s been wonderful to see the children so engaged with the history of the school and relate to the children who came before them. “Being a part of these moments, will be something that the children will remember for years to come, and this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the community who contributed to making the occasion a success.”
Ella Martin, Deputy Headteacher of the school and lead of the event, commented: “It’s been wonderful to see the children so engaged with the history of the school and relate to the children who came before them.
“Being a part of these moments, will be something that the children will remember for years to come, and this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the community who contributed to making the occasion a success.”
Trust CEO, Stuart Gardner, reflected on the occasion, saying, “It is an honour to be here today to celebrate the school’s remarkable 125-year history. Moments like these remind us of the countless students, teachers, and families who’ve been a part of Gordon’s journey. “These celebrations aren’t just about looking back but about honouring the legacy of excellence that continues to shape the minds of our young people and make learning irresistible for years to come. I look forward to seeing what the next chapter holds for the school!"
Trust CEO, Stuart Gardner, reflected on the occasion, saying, “It is an honour to be here today to celebrate the school’s remarkable 125-year history. Moments like these remind us of the countless students, teachers, and families who’ve been a part of Gordon’s journey.
“These celebrations aren’t just about looking back but about honouring the legacy of excellence that continues to shape the minds of our young people and make learning irresistible for years to come. I look forward to seeing what the next chapter holds for the school!"