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.
29. Young performers take shopping centre stage for historic theatrical display
Dressed in charming period costume, Andrew Tucker (left), Joanne Pitt, and Julian Lewis stride out in June 1985 while performing The Changing Scenes of Childhood. The talented trio, from East Park Infants School, brought history to life right in the heart of the Mander Centre in Wolverhampton. Their performance was part of a lively community showcase that also featured Punch and Judy shows, dance workouts, music ensembles, and choir performances from neighbouring primary schools. Do you remember watching or performing in The Changing Scenes of Childhood at the Mander Centre back in June 1985? | Express & Star archive
30. Lighting the way to Christmas cheer in festive school show
Five-year-old David Pritchard holds high a lantern to lead the way as a group of brightly dressed youngsters prepare for their festive concert in December 1980. Performed in front of delighted parents and fellow pupils at Silkmore First School in Stafford, the festive show featured traditional nativity scenes alongside depictions of carol services past and present. Were you on stage or in the audience for the Silkmore First School Christmas concert back in December 1980? | Express & Star archive
31. Brushing up the corridor as community effort brings artwork to life
Paintbrushes in hand, young artists work alongside adults to transform a plain wall into a giant, detailed wall display in July 1989. Pictured alongside Andy Bradley are pupils David Erfani, Debbie Huntstone, and Robert Troke hard at work on the infants' corridor. The creative project at Green Close Primary School in Shelfield was organised in partnership with the Fordbrook Community Office and Pelsall Community School, giving pupils and parents a chance to brighten up their surroundings together. Do you remember school murals like this one, or taking part in similar artwork projects back in July 1989? | Express & Star archive
32. Making history in song as multi-media bus rolls into school playground
Children sing along enthusiastically to acoustic guitar music outside a uniquely painted double-decker bus in May 1984. The mobile arts centre was operated by Jubilee Community Arts from Sandwell, who toured local neighbourhoods to collect memories, photographs, and stories for a history book titled A Picture of Tipton. Pupils at Glebefield School gathered in force to share their local knowledge and add their own voices to the community archive project. Did you visit the Jubilee bus or share your memories for A Picture of Tipton at Glebefield School back in May 1984? | Express & Star archive