SCHOOL REPORT: Longshaw Community Junior caters for pupils aged 7-11 and has traditionally been one of the most popular schools in Blackburn.

At present we have 305 pupils on roll.

Our view is that all pupils have strengths and talents. Our challenge is to find the talents and develop them so that all the children can reach their full potential.

Our school includes everyone. We have no barriers related to religion or disability Everyone is welcome (even Burnley supporters!) as long as they are willing to accept our high expectations for them and of them. We expect the children to achieve more and behave well, so they do so.

One of Longshaw's strengths is our links with parents and the community. Blackburn Rovers have a top quality community service which we link with.

HISTORY LESSON: When Longshaw opened in 1950 it was Blackburn's first new post-war school. Built to accommodate the growing population of the Highercroft estate, to begin with the school housed infants as well as juniors but became juniors only when Longshaw Infant School opened in 1952. The school was officially opened and completed in 1958. A large increase in the population of the area in the 1970s saw school numbers rise to more than 500, making it one of the largest junior schools in Lancashire. The opening of Roman Road Primary School in 1977 relieved the pressure on Longshaw and it has maintained a roll of 300+ since.

Longshaw has a strong sense of its own history. This is reflected in the large number of its parents who were also pupils at the school. Recently three current members of staff celebrated 25 years at the school and several former teachers there have moved on to become headteachers of local schools.

The school's Golden Jubilee, celebrated in June 2000, saw a re-enactment of the opening ceremony with civic guests and entertainment by school musical groups. Among the guests, in a week of nostalgia, were former members of staff.

Under its present head, John Hodkinson, and continuing from former head, Peter Hopwood, the school has benefited from recent national curriculum change, continuing to provide its pupils with a broad and balanced curriculum.

SOMETHING TO BRAG ABOUT: Music has always had an important place at Longshaw. Former teachers, Sheila Bedford and Mildred Riley can be seen with choirs, recorder groups and string ensembles. The Musician of the Year trophy dates back to 1965, when it was awarded to Bryan Cook. Longshaw enjoyed great musical fame in the late 1970s when the choir and the brass ensemble made no less than three television appearances in close succession.

Longshaw choirs have provided high quality music year after year and can boast many successes at the Blackburn Music Festival. Under its present leader, Kathy Rigbye, the choir has entered the modern era.

The school has boasted a brass ensemble since 1978. More recently the group has incorporated a substantial woodwind section. Involvement with the Blackburn with Darwen Music Service has opened up the opportunity for many children to play instruments.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR: We believe in offering a wide range of extra activities/clubs.