We were delighted to receive an email over half term from former pupil Katie, who joined Laxton Junior School in 1994. Her memories transported us back to a different era of school life, filled with productions, swimming trips, creative projects and inspirational teachers. Reading her reflections was a wonderful reminder of how much has changed over the years, but also how many of the experiences that make a childhood at LJS so special continue today.
Cross Country Runners from 2000 at our Heron Rogers Wood. House Cross Country still takes place today in the same wood and last year involved all pupils from Reception through to Year 6 for the first time. |
Our sporty children today as they take part in PE and Games lessons each week with regular fixtures against opposition schools starting from Year 3. |
One of Katie’s fondest memories was taking part in the infant production as the Snow Queen in The Naughty Sunbeam and learning maypole dancing, a tradition that is no longer part of school life. Today, however, our pupils still enjoy the excitement of performing on stage, whether in infant productions such as The Enormous Turnip and Jack and the Beanstalk or in larger performances at the Stahl Theatre. Katie also fondly remembers taking part in The Wind in the Willows, and productions continue to be an important part of school life, helping children build confidence, creativity and teamwork while creating memories that last long after they leave us.
Nativity 1995 |
Nativity 2025 |
Swimming lessons were another highlight of Katie’s time at LJS:
“Swimming lessons in Year 2 also hold a special place in my memory. Henry and Tony would drive us back and forth to the Oundle Pool in the minibus. Afterwards, we would all sit on the carpet in Mrs Larkins’ room, eating digestive biscuits while she read The Magic Faraway Tree to us.”
While the post-swimming biscuits have been replaced by healthier fruit snacks, today’s pupils still make that same journey to Oundle Sports Centre’s Pool, continuing a tradition that generations of children have enjoyed.
Katie also reflected on the immersive learning experiences that brought topics to life:
“Moving into Year 3 with Mrs Gilbert meant diving into the Ancient Egyptians. I still have the death mask on my pinboard at home, created while lying on a classroom desk as plaster of Paris strips were laid across our faces, with just a straw in our mouths to breathe! I’m not entirely sure that would pass modern health and safety standards today!”
Fortunately, some things have changed! However, our commitment to hands-on, memorable learning remains. Whether building Tudor houses, exploring our Woodland Garden or taking part in Parents in Partnership Days, today’s pupils continue to learn through creativity, curiosity and experience.
The influence of dedicated teachers shines through many of Katie’s memories, including this one:
“Miss Thomas prepared us for Common Entrance interviews. To this day, I still find myself looking at people’s eyebrows rather than their eyes, a trick she taught us to manage eye contact!”
While admissions processes and assessments may look different today, preparing children for their chosen senior schools remains a vital part of what we do.
As we look ahead to becoming Oundle Prep, Katie’s memories remind us that a school’s legacy is not found in its buildings or even its name, but in the experiences it creates, the teachers who inspire, and the children whose lives it helps shape.
Some traditions may have changed since 1994, but the values that have always defined Laxton Junior School remain the same: nurturing confidence, encouraging curiosity, creating opportunity and ensuring every child feels known and valued.
Those memories have been at the heart of Laxton Junior School for generations, and they will continue to be made for many years to come at Oundle Prep.
