A SOUTHEND grammar school has celebrated its 110th birthday in style with music, cake, and a pantomime.
Southend High School for Girls began the tradition of celebrating its birthday from its first days in Boston Avenue, in October 1913.
The birthday has been celebrated every year since, with more events having been built into the celebrations and becoming part of school tradition.
The day involved a headteacher assembly, a huge birthday cake designed and made by students, an array of cards and presents, as well as everyone singing happy birthday and the school song “Jerusalem’ where pupils shout the key word ‘fire’ as loud as possible.
Jason Carey, headteacher at Southend High School for Girls, said, ‘It has been a wonderful day and a quirky tradition.
“This is something that the Southend High School for Girls community love and past pupils always talk about fondly.”
As part of the celebrations, there is also a special “birthday club” for any pupils who also celebrate their birthday today. This also included headteacher Mr Carey.
However, the highlight of the school birthday celebration is always the Year 13 pantomime, performed to every pupil and staff member.
This year, it was an alternative take on “High School Musical”, complete with Southend High School for Girls’ very own Gabriella, Sharpay, Troy and the “Southend High School for Girls Mandem”.
Carissa Baxter, head student, added: “It was an amazing and surreal experience to finally be a part of and organise the traditional panto that I have watched since I was in Year 7.”
Today’s celebrations also focussed very much on traditions, roots, and legacy, celebrating the past, present and future of the school.
Excerpts from old school magazines dating as far back as 1913 were shared in the whole school celebration assembly.
Pupils thoroughly enjoyed the celebration, and said it is something they look forward to every year.
Sophie Potton, a year 12 pupil, said: “It is always something to look forward to. It is something I can remember celebrating with my friends from Year 7.
“It is the opportunity to embrace our school traditions and reflect on community.
“I still remember my first school birthday, singing Jerusalem, and being a bit shocked when everyone shouted ‘Fire’.”
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