A LOOK at one of East Lancashire's local schools.

SCHOOL REPORT: The school motto 'Here to Learn' refers not only to learning within academic subjects but also learning the skills needed to become reponsible members of society. We provide a caring, supportive environment for pupils of all abilities. We aim to ensure that pupils achieve their true potential and leave school with good qualifications and skills. One of Norden's strengths lies in its good community links. The school has a dual usage agreement with Hyndburn Borough Council and the Youth Service. Youth groups use the school facilities three nights a week and the council puts on various sporting activities during evenings, weekends and holidays.

HISTORY LESSON: The school was opened in 1942 and was known as Rishton Secondary Modern School, catering for Rishton schoolchildren who did not pass the 11-plus examination. Later, children from Wilpshire, Mellor and surrounding villages were admitted. In 1961 the school amalgamated with Great Harwood Secondary Modern School to become Norden County Secondary School. The school operated on two sites until 1971 when the Rishton building, having had extensive building work, housed all pupils on one site. In August 1975, we became known as Norden County High School under the comprehensive system. The school is at the side of the Leeds/Liverpool canal in Rishton and looks out over the valley towards Great Harwood. Its name derives from the ward in which it is built.

NUMBER OF PUPILS: Norden is an 11-16 school with 636 pupils on roll. The main intake of pupils now come from the Rishton and Great Harwood areas and as the school's popularity has increased and it is heavily over-subscribed.

STAR PUPILS: Brett Ormerod, the former Blackpool footballer who now plays for Southampton; actor Stephen Pinder (Max Farnham, Brookside).

SOMETHING TO BRAG ABOUT: Twenty-one Year 11 pupils have been involved in Young Enterprise. Their products, Christmas cards and birthday cards, have sold very successfully and the company is trading with a healthy profit. Pupils are due to give their final presentation in April. In September 2001, the school became involved in the Teacher Training Agency's Graduates teaching Programme. Four graduates were accepted and spend four-and-a-half days a week in school and half a day with a further education provider. At the end of the year they will be able to take up full-time teaching appointments in other schools. We hope to continue next year and are looking for suitable candidates in a variety of subjects.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH A £100,000 WINDFALL? A windfall would be improve the social areas available to pupils, including dining rooms. Two classrooms and the hall are the only available facilities.