Mr J Waldren was supported as Headmaster in the 90s by three excellent Deputy Heads: Mr Johnson, Mrs Clemson and Mrs Siraj-Allen.
There were still many changes happening in the school during the 1990s. In September 1990, BRAC (the after-school club) was formed. It was run in the Scouts’ Hut off Kings Drive every evening from 3.30 – 5.30pm. Also, until 1990, we were fortunate to have the M.S.T Centre literally on our doorstep (Avon’s Maths, Science and Technology Centre). It stood on the carpark of the Teachers’ Centre and, according to Mr Waldren, provided fantastic expertise and resources which enriched the children’s learning.
The school also went through a thorough refurbishment scheme to treat whole school dry rot and then re-wire, remodel and redecorate. This was achieved in an impressive 18 months with half the school being emptied into the empty former R.L.D.U building. Once half the building was completed the other half was evacuated for several months. Mr Waldren was very impressed with how resilient staff and children were in this busy time. The school was officially reopened by Don Pearce, Chair of Avon County Council on April 8th 1992 with 343 children in 12 classes on role and 52 children enrolled in the Nursery Department.
Children, parents and teachers survived the Great Wind of January (1990) when Gloucester Road was closed due to significant damage. The fire brigade were also called out when the fire alarm was set off. The offending item was a pesky burnt treacle tart!
“We were at once guinea pigs and beneficiaries of a resource which enhanced the quality of Science teaching for us all.”
Don’t forget to have a look at the amazing School Centenary Celebrations which happened on January 1996 to mark 100 years of Bishop Road School.
