From creative writing, researching historical figures to taking part in the People’s Parade and celebrating the humble oatcake, the centenary celebrations included a week of learning, creativity and proudly showcasing the city's rich heritage.

At Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent, students embraced the centenary celebrations through a series of imaginative and community-focused events. Students took part in a Creative Writing Workshop at Keele University, writing powerful 100-word stories about Stoke’s past which will now be considered for a special centenary anthology.

Each tutor group also dived into the lives of notable figures from Stoke’s history and hosted a Family Meal welcoming loved ones into the school for an evening of free food, quizzes and games.

The academy also played a leading role in the city’s People’s Parade celebrations, with Co-op Young Leaders heading the Tunstall section. Despite the rain, our students beamed with pride as they carried handmade flowers and a giant replica of the Tunstall Clock.

Pupils and staff from Co-op Academy Clarice Cliff also took part in the People’s Parade dressed as sunflowers, forget-me-nots, flower queens and “blooming buds” as part of the Blooming Longton section. The group lit up the route with colourful costumes created by local CIC Urban Wilderness. One excited pupil said: “This is so exciting, I have never done anything like this before!”

Assistant Headteacher Mrs Booth reflected, “The children in our school have enjoyed learning about the history of Stoke-on-Trent, significant people from the city and the process that was involved in granting city status. The parade was a wonderful way to round off our celebrations.”

Sara Eyden, Community Pioneer at Clarice Cliff, added, “It's such a joy to see our children involved in something so meaningful. They are incredibly fortunate to create these lasting memories.”

Meanwhile, at Co-op Academy Glebe, the centenary coincided with their annual Heritage Week, which took on even greater significance this year. Children explored the story of how Stoke’s six towns federated back in 1910 and both KS1 and KS2 pupils took part in heritage walks through Fenton, spotting historical buildings including potbanks and cobble stones.

The school celebrated the city’s iconic oatcake through poetry and dialect and enjoyed the Stokie delicacy for lunch. A special Friday assembly also gave every child a chance to showcase their learning and creativity, bringing the week to a perfect close.