PUPILS at St Joseph’s Catholic School in Laverstock have buried a piece of history as it looks ahead to the future.

The time capsule was buried in its new design and technology (DT) which is currently being built at the the school by construction firm Beard.

The school celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2014 and the time capsule contains a St Joseph’s 50th anniversary mug, photographs and a school newsletter, as well as drawings and examples of students’ work from its first 50 years – going as far back as 1964.

Beard started work on the £1.8 million two-storey DT block in May which, once completed in April 2018, will provide two IT suites, food technology and product design facilities, a pastoral centre and ancillary accommodation. The extra space will allow the school to take on an additional 120 pupils.

“I am delighted that we secured funding for this build. It gives us the opportunity to ensure that all our pupils have a broad and balanced curriculum in state of the art buildings,” said Rachel Ridley, the head teacher at St Joseph’s Catholic School.

“As we continue to grow and be the school of choice within the area, it has been a pleasure to work alongside Beard, O’Leary Goss and Hookways to ensure the successful completion of these exciting new facilities. The burial of the time capsule is a fitting celebration as the school moves forward to ensure outstanding education for all."

The time capsule was blessed by Canon Michael Fitzpatrick from St Osmund’s Roman Catholic Church in Salisbury, and buried under the floor of the new entrance foyer with a plaque advising it to be opened on the school’s centenary.

Built on the site of the former caretaker’s house and has been designed by O’LearyGoss Architects.

Andy Sparkes, construction director for Beard, said: “This time capsule burial is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the innovative new building currently under construction at St Joseph’s, while tying together the school’s past with its exciting new future.

“We are delighted to be working with St Joseph’s on this scheme which will provide new space and state-of-the-art design and technology facilities to accommodate modern learning styles.”