Transform Schools

Royal visit in Rotherham

On 9th October Prince Andrew arrived in style to officially open Maltby Crags Junior and Infant Schools.

In bright autumn sunshine, the pupils gathered in the playground to welcome the Prince as he flew his helicopter over the school buildings and landed on the playing field. Formal introductions took place before the Prince was conducted on a tour of the school by head teachers Helen Mangham and Sheila Ralph, to see the work that the children have been doing since they moved into their new buildings. In addition, there was a special visit to see the outdoor areas and the pond which has been constructed by pupils of the school, working with the Site Manager Jim Beasley.

During the formal part of the itinerary guests were treated to musical entertainment, first by junior school pupils, and then by Key Stage 1 pupils, culminating with a joint performance of ‘The Greatest Love of all’, emphasising the school’s message that ‘Children are our future’. The Prince asked the children to promise that they would learn all that they could from their teachers, and would do their homework (without too much help from mum or dad!), before unveiling the plaque to commemorate the official opening of the schools.

The pupils were then delighted to see the motorcade of cars and motorcycles that whisked the Prince away to his next appointment, and the event was brought to a close with a balloon race.