A SPECIAL three-day exhibition gave parents and members of the public a chance to see the work of pupils at St Bernard's School, Barrow.

The main school hall at Rating Lane was packed with arts and crafts.

An article in The Mail, on October 24 in 1990, noted: "Work from around half of the Roman Catholic school's 780 pupils is on show to parents, the public and fellow pupils an covers all subjects in the curriculum.

"Headteacher Peter Cooper said the exhibitions were started 13 years ago by the arts and crafts department but had grown over the years to include everyone.

He said: "It's a display of the kind of work done in the school - some of exam standard - in all subjects.

"It has a double purpose - to allow other children to see what is going on and it gives young people a chance to learn how the curriculum develops."

Back in March 1992 three pupils travelled to Altrincham to take part on a science quiz organised by the youth section of the British Association for the Advancement of Science.

The team of Stephen Goggin, Anthony Redshaw and Kamal Siddiqi narrowly lost to Grange School, Northwich.

An article on March 18 noted: "The quiz was sponsored by British Gs and consisted of scientific brain teasers, maths puzzles and problem solving."

On July 16 in 1993 it was the last day of teaching for three staff members at St Bernard's who between them had notched up more than 100 years' of service.

Taking retirement were head of technology Harry Stanway, careers teacher Andrew Tunn and head of German Margaret Egan.

Mr Stanway had been a teacher for 36 years and in younger days had played cricket for Dalton and rugby union for Furness.

In 1993 drama students at the school were put through their pace by an expert.

The Mail,on November 12, noted: "Jeremy Stockwell,of the Royal National Theatre, held a theatre workshop with the students as part of W.H. Smith's Interactive scheme.

"Experienced actors from the theatre travel the country working with schools.

"Mr Stockwell worked on characterisation, including young and old people, aggressive and shy, and put them through some exhausting exercises during the day."

St Barnard's drama teacher Denis Toye said: "It is great experience to work with someone so highly qualified."

Teams from St Barnard's proved their sporting skills in June 1988 with wins at both basketball and netball at a national youth festival held at Everton Park, Liverpool.

The winning school netball team was Corrine Simpson, Claire Emma Jameson, Claire Benson, Helen Quayle and Helen Stanley and Janine Leonard.

In April 1990 fifth year pupils took part in a fashion show to boost school funds, making use of clothes provided by George at Asda.

Among the models were Craig Maclean, Russell Crellin, Nicky Diamond, Robert Morton and Philip Thornley.