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.
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21. Cooling down after a marathon effort on the football pitch
Dave Jones applies a cold sponge to Paul Jones to help him cool down after taking part in an exhausting 24-hour football marathon in May 1983. Surrounded by encouraging classmates in the school hall, the determined pupils from Fitzwarren Special School in Tipton kicked a ball around the clock to raise crucial funds. The money raised went towards cover servicing, fuel, and insurance costs to keep the school minibus running smoothly. Did you take part in the 24-hour football marathon at Fitzwarren Special School back in May 1983? | Express & Star archive
22. Order in the court as schoolchildren travel back to the 1890s for historic council debate
Taking civic duty to a whole new era, pupils step into the shoes of Victorian local leaders to re-enact a historic debate from the late 19th century. Pictured in full period costume in June 1985 are 'Councillor' Susan Harris (right), standing beside 'Mayor's Sergeant' Steven Davies and a very authoritative 'Mayor' Paul Summon pointing the way forward. The children from East Park Junior School in Wolverhampton put on their finest top hats and robes to recreate the contentious decision to create a brand-new public park in the east of the town. Did you take part in this Victorian council re-enactment at East Park Junior School back in June 1985? | Express & Star archive
23. Five years of savvy saving pays off as new minibus hits the road
Cheers and raised hands mark a major milestone as pupils gather alongside their brand-new school minibus in March 1982. James Greenway sits behind the wheel of the freshly signposted vehicle, holding up the keys to celebrate. The arrival of the bus was the result of a five-year fundraising effort by Sherbrook Comprehensive School in Cannock, where money had been carefully invested in a building society account until they hit their target. Do you remember taking trips in the Sherbrook Comprehensive minibus after all those years of saving? | Express & Star archive
24. Striking the right chord with one-to-one violin tuition in the music room
Music teacher David Lloyd guides pupil Ian Hanson through proper posture and bow technique during a violin lesson in July 1982. The focused pair take centre stage in a busy music classroom at Aldridge Comprehensive School, surrounded by fellow classmates practicing on flutes, recorders, clarinets, and brass instruments. Were you part of the school orchestra or did you learn an instrument at Aldridge Comprehensive back in the 1980s? | Express & Star archive