Guest Article – Minera VA Primary School
Minera VA Primary School proudly marked its 175th anniversary with a vibrant and action-packed week of celebrations, bringing together pupils, staff, families, and the wider community to honour its rich history and enduring legacy.
In the lead-up to the anniversary week, pupils enthusiastically took part in a series of creative and hands-on activities. Children baked traditional Victoria sponge cakes and Welsh cakes, sewed individual patches for a special 175th anniversary wall hanging, and contributed to the refurbishment of the school library—leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
The celebrations officially began with Dosbarth Navigators collaborating with artist Andy Birch to design and produce striking graffiti artwork inspired by the school’s history. The project provided a unique opportunity for pupils to express their creativity while learning about Minera School’s past.
On Tuesday, the school community came together for a symbolic time capsule burial. Pupils selected items that represent life in 2026, ensuring that future generations will gain an insight into today’s world when the capsule is opened. To further mark the occasion, a Victoria plum tree was planted on the school grounds—a living reminder of the milestone anniversary.
Wednesday saw a very special commemorative service held at St Mary’s Church in Minera. Led by the children, the service reflected on 175 years of education at Minera School and celebrated the strong sense of community that continues to define it.
Thursday’s Open Day proved to be a highlight of the week, welcoming a large number of visitors, including former pupils, staff, and friends of the school. The event offered a wonderful opportunity to share memories, explore the school’s history, and reconnect with old classmates. The return of former staff members added to the sense of nostalgia and celebration.
The week concluded with a delightful Victorian-themed party, where pupils stepped back in time to experience life as it might have been during the early years of the school. Children and staff embraced the theme with impressive Victorian costumes and enjoyed traditional games. The celebration was made even more special as pupils sampled the Victoria sponge cakes and Welsh cakes they had prepared earlier in the week.
The anniversary celebrations were a resounding success, highlighting not only the school’s long and proud history but also its vibrant present and bright future.
Minera VA Primary School extends its sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to making the week so memorable. Here’s to the next 175 years of learning, community, and achievement.
Councillor Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education said, “175 years is a remarkable milestone for Minera VA Primary School, and this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the school’s proud history, strong community spirit and lasting contribution to generations of local families.”
“It’s fantastic to see pupils, staff, families, former pupils and the wider community coming together to mark the occasion in such a creative and memorable way. From the time capsule to the Victorian-themed celebrations, the week has clearly been a fitting tribute to the school’s past while also looking ahead to the future.”
