Mells pupils step back in time

PUPILS and staff at Mells Church of England First School have taken a step back in time, donning their sleuthing hats and becoming detectives to trace the history of their school and its charming buildings. 

Pupils in years three and four created an exhibition to show how the school has evolved since it first opened in 1813, going on to become one of the first of ten national schools in Somerset.  A specialist buildings archaeologist, Sam Corke, visited the school to help the children with their research. 

Kate Simons, senior teacher at Mells School, explained more about the fascinating project. She said, “As well as looking at the history of the school buildings, the children also learnt about some of the past teachers, such as the characterful Miss Rendell, a long serving member of staff who taught at Mells School for 35 years, from 1932 to 1967.  

“She was a kind teacher who kept a stuffed red squirrel in her classroom.  She used to take her class on nature walks, very much like we still do today with our welly walks.” 

The pupils also received a visit from Jan Seewooruttun, a life-long Mells residents who attended the school from 1958 until 1964, following in her mother’s footsteps.  Mells School has educated four generations of Jan’s family as her grandchildren are currently pupils.  Jan was also taught by Miss Rendell.   

Kate continued, “The children were fascinated to understand how the buildings have evolved over the years, but they were horrified that the school toilets used to be earth closet toilets in the playground!” 

The school say the exhibition was a really popular event and the pupils were able to showcase their work to the local Mells community, including one ex-headteacher of the school, local residents and parents.  

The Beckington and Mells Federation is formed of two first schools on the outskirts of Frome; Mells C of E First School and Beckington CofE First School.  The two schools federated in September 2019 and share an executive headteacher, Claire Chantler.   Places are available in the reception classes of both schools for September 2022. 

Open events are scheduled for this September and November for children due to start school in September 2023.  The open days for Mells First School are the 23rd September 2022 between 10am and 11.30am and 9th November 2022 between 2pm and 3.30pm.  The open days for Beckington First School are the 22nd September and 8th November between 2pm and 3.30pm.  Please call 01373 830438 to book a space at one of the open days.