BACK in the summer, a group of schools accepted our invitation to write their own articles reflecting life in school at the end of the 20th century.

The intention was not to look too far back or forwards, but to tell future generations about the great variety of activities going on in our local schools at this time and to reflect something of the feelings, hopes and fears of their pupils.

The resulting Time Capsule publication is due out early in the new year, thanks to the generous sponsorship of BAE Systems, and every pupil in each participating school will receive a copy to treasure for years to come.

The snapshot of just a few pieces published today and in our column next week, gives a flavour of this unique and entertaining insight into school life.

Discovering the world of books

THE young editorial group from St James CE Primary School, Clitheroe, reported on the opening of their new school library during the year.

"We had a wonderful surprise when we returned to school after the summer holiday to find a very modern and futuristic new library. It is definitely original, with its colourful curved walls, peep holes and even spot lights. We love working in there as it feels really cosy and bright.

"It was officially opened in October by the Mayor of Clitheroe, Councillor Alan Yearing. We had a special assembly for the opening with lots of visitors and the school chairman of governors reminded us how important it was to learn to read and how lucky we were to have lots of lovely books to choose from. "We wonder what pupils will think of our library in 100 years time. Perhaps it will seem very old fashioned to them, or maybe they won't use books any more because all their work will be done on computers. If they can read this they might think about us."

By Katie Smith, Danielle Peel, Scott Atherton, Alex Collinson, Natalie Bauer, Olivia Pamphlett and Hira Ishaq.

Garden of remembrance

AT Shade County Primary School, Todmorden, pupils in year 4 have been designing a millennium sculpture garden.

"My design tried to show how existing trees and shrubs can be used to create a pleasant environment," said Tamsin Connor. "We thought it was important to include the right things, so we aimed for permanence, beauty, interest and environmental quality."

Their class teacher, Mr Lowe, said that sculpture would be integral to the overall design. "Sculptures are permanent records of interests, feelings, people and events. The theme we chose is that of remembrance.

"As the new millennium unfolds, we wanted to show that we would not forget the past and would always remember those who have lived and explored the human experience before us." Pupil, Lucy Greenwood, said: "We looked at photographs of former pupils, particularly those who gave their lives in the Great War. Then we used papier mache and plaster over chicken wire to model likenesses. The results are amazing and will be mounted in the new garden."

What school really means

WALVERDEN County Primary School, Nelson, asked some of its very youngest pupils the question "What is school?" and received the answers:

A place where you learn words - Alice Stuart, five

A place where you help teachers to tidy up - Michell Waring, five

A place where you work hard to get a sticker - Siaf Ahmed, five

A place where you learn to read - Thomas Richmond, six

A place where you see some teachers - Aneela Arshad, seven

A place where you listen - Humera Kauser, five

A place where you practise hard words - Jodie Strutt, five

A place where you colour - Chelsie Richardson, four

A place where you have school dinners - Jason Daykin, four A place where you go if you are not poorly - Meridon Grist, four

Thoughts of the Millennium

BEARDWOOD High School, Blackburn, submitted a timely and thought provoking poem from year 11 pupil Nina Banks:

THE MILLENNIUM

It's nearly here,

We're getting ready,

Preparations, rush, rush, rush,

If I had a spare hour ...

I'd take the time to look.

We live in a technological age, So my granny says,

Where computers will run everything

And capitalists will have their way.

We use, use, use, but put nothing back,

Then we complain when there is nothing left.

We run our cars without a thought,

Machines are taking over.

If this is how the future is,

Do we really want to see it?

NINA BANKS, aged 15

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.