Beauty Bank still bustling - despite just 12 pupils left! (From Stourbridge News)

Beauty Bank still bustling - despite just 12 pupils left!

5:15pm Monday 2nd October 2006 in Local By Bev Holder

BEAUTY Bank School in Stourbridge is still bustling with the sounds of youngsters - even though there are now just 12 pupils left.

Dudley Council's latest plan to shut the Forge Road school mid-year sent many mums into panic and choosing to switch their kids to nearby schools.

Just a dozen youngsters now remain - determined to stay at their beloved school for as long as they can.

Despite an obvious air of sadness and silence in the parts of the school that no longer have pupils to liven things up, acting headteacher Linda Perkins - drafted in from nearby St James's Primary - has vowed to make Beauty Bank's last days count.

She said: "I'm doing all within my power to make sure all the children have every opportunity that they would have in every other Dudley school."

Although no doubt missing their old classmates, kids are being kept busy and active.

“I’m doing all within my power to make sure all the children have every opportunity that they would have in every other Dudley school.”

Acting headteacher Linda Perkins

Aside from their regular literacy and numeracy lessons, youngsters have been staying fit with cross country runs, team games, gym classes, swimming lessons and soccer sessions.

They have also been developing their artistic talents - enjoying a visit to Stourbridge's Cockleshell Centre in Worcester Street where they got creative and painted plates to take home for their parents as part of an arts focus week.

They have also been working in school with Exeter University art student Emma Safe, producing pastel drawings, acrylic paintings and collages and even learning the art of computer graphics.