Remember school days in the 1980s? From big smiles and creative projects to fundraising triumphs, special visitors and proud award winners, these photographs capture the fun, friendships and memorable moments of school life across Wolverhampton, Staffordshire and the Black Country.
There are classroom activities, history days, community events and plenty of familiar faces among this collection from the decade.
Take a look through the gallery and see who you can spot. Do you recognise a former classmate, teacher - or even yourself? Don’t forget to share your memories in the comments.
- Did you see our gallery capturing businesses and working life in the 1990s? Take a look back through all 45 pictures here.
- You can enjoy this and more with our weekly FREE Nostalgia Newsletter - with scores of archive pictures and exclusive features on the history of Wolverhampton, Staffordshire and the Black Country - all sent to your inbox every week. Sign up here.
41. Hotshots of fire safety spark success as school contest winners land top awards
Proudly holding their framed certificates and trophies, clever pupils stand alongside fire officials during a special presentation ceremony in 1982. The bright sparks were celebrating success in a local competition designed to test their safety knowledge and awareness. First place was claimed by Barbara Simpson from Albright High School in Oldbury, while Jasvinder Chopra from Hall Green Comprehensive School in Bilston took second place, and Mark Barber and Kurt Bennett shared third. Pictured with the young winners are Ken Merrell, Jasvinder Chopra, Barbara Simpson, Brian Fuller, Mark Barber, Kurt Bennett, and Rex Martin. Do you remember entering school safety competitions or winning a certificate in the spotlight back in 1982? | Express & Star archive
42. Walking canoe makes its way to the water during parkland camping trip
A line of legs carries a large Canadian canoe overhead as pupils work together to transport their boat to the River Trent in June 1986. Equipped with life jackets and paddles, the adventurous youngsters from West Hill Junior School in Hednesford were enjoying an outdoor camping course at Shugborough Park near Stafford, testing their teamwork and canoeing skills. Do you remember carrying canoes or taking part in the Shugborough Park outdoor camping trips back in June 1986? | Express & Star archive
43. Booking success as hundreds of pupils turn pages for children's cancer charity
Posing on the spiral staircase with their chosen novels open and ready to read are, from left, Mark Wood, Cassie Thomson, Donna Houghton, Tim Taylor, and David Manning in October 1988. The enthusiastic group was among more than 300 pupils at Weston Road High School in Stafford gearing up for a week-long Readathon. The sponsored reading challenge aimed to raise vital funds for the Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund for Children while encouraging a love of literature across the school. Did you take part in the week-long Readathon at Weston Road High School back in October 1988? | Express & Star archive
44. Hats off to canal history as pupils explore waterways in period style
A young pupil holds up a bowler hat alongside costumed guides as a boatload of cheerful classmates wave from a narrowboat in October 1987. Two classes of 11-year-olds from the Brook Primary School in Wordsley spent an educational day at the Bonded Warehouse in Stourbridge as part of the European Year of the Environment. Guided by members of the British Waterways Board, the Stourbridge Navigation Trust, and actors from Dudley Little Theatre in traditional canal dress, the children enjoyed a slide show, tour, and boat trip to explore key local conservation areas. Do you remember taking a narrowboat trip or exploring the canal heritage at the Stourbridge Bonded Warehouse back in October 1987? | Express & Star archive