A Barrow school had just gone through the most important year in its history, students were told in late 1994.
Headmaster Dominic Tye was speaking at the annual presentation evening at Thorncliffe School.
He said the exam results were the best in the school’s history, with 17 per cent of students achieving notably high academic results.
WINNERS: Some of the award winners at Thorncliffe School in 1994
These included students who were getting five or more A to C grades at GCSE.
The school had also received an excellent report following its recent inspection, said Dr Tye.
He said: “We had prepared for it carefully and our documentation filled several cars as it was taken away to be sifted.
BANK: Customers Ben Silcocks, 13, Belinda Vause, 13, and Carly Walters, 14, queue to bank their cash to Keir Arts, 14, Chris Johnson, 13, and Joanne Rogan, 13, at Thorncliffe School’s Mid-Bank in 1994
“Then, for a whole week we were very closely scrutinised from the recesses of our toilets to the top of the tower with its satellite dishes.”
He praised the students for their hard work.
SPORT: Kelsie Brownlie dashes to victory in the girls’ Year 7 200m race at Thorncliffe School’s sports day in 1993
“We need to recognise that our students are busy learners, that in the main they are working hard to get the best out of their education so that they have the best chances to build a good future for themselves.”
Meanwhile, also in 1994, The Mail reported that a new generation of super savers was being created at Thorncliffe School after the opening of a classroom bank.
CHECK: Thorncliffe School’s Mid-Bank cashier Claire Fisher, 13, checks the float before opening for business in 1994
The Mid-Bank, a working branch of the Midland Bank, was run by students from Year 9.
Their dedication was noted by their peers and the members of staff at the school.
Pupils took on the same roles as in a high street bank, from the manager to cashiers, with overall supervision being taken by Year 9 head Ray Simpson and maths teacher Keith Parkinson.
RACE: Lee Clements wins the Year 7 boys’ 100m from James Porteous at Thorncliffe School’s sports day in 1993
The scheme was also designed to give the pupils first-hand experience of running a bank.
The branch was open to everyone every Monday, Wednesday and Friday lunchtime.
Staff at Barrow’s Midland branch gave the students training in how to run a bank and gave them a try at business.
Any pupil over 13 could get a cash card which could be used at any branch of the Midland or Natwest.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here