THE oldest first school in Poole will be holding its centenary celebrations after the Easter break – and wants former pupils to join in.

Courthill first opened its doors in 1912. Originally two schools, for infants and juniors, the buildings have long since been joined, reconfigured and extended.

Due to the forthcoming change in the Poole education system, Courthill, which is located behind Bournemouth Road in Parkstone, will once again become an infant school.

The school currently has 15 teaching staff and 360 pupils between the ages of four and eight.

There are plans to change from three form entry to four. Rated as “outstanding” in an Ofsted review last March, Courthill had its last full inspection in July 2008.

Year two class teacher Sue Clark, who is responsible for history and geography, is co-ordinating a week of centenary celebrations between April 16 and 20.

During the week, the children will be finding out more about the town’s and the school’s past and putting together a time capsule.

The school will also be open from 1.30pm-3pm on Friday 20 for people to look around and view an exhibition of old photos and the children’s work in the hall.

Sue is also arranging for ex-pupils to come in and talk to the pupils about their memories of school life. So far the oldest is in their seventies.

Current head teacher Jane Davies, who has been in charge for the last nine years, will be retiring in July.

She is one of 500 leaders of education across the country, who are expected to work with other schools, providing them with leadership when necessary.

Despite its urban setting, the school makes the most of its grounds. The playground was given a new soft surface last summer, thanks to fundraising by the PTA.

There is also a thriving gardening club, the after-school and breakfast time Cabin Club, and plans to open up a small wild area along the back boundary.