TEACHERS have paid tribute to a Caerphilly county borough secondary school ahead of its closure this summer.

Oakdale Comprehensive School (OCS) is set to close to become part of Islwyn High School, and to mark the changes, staff and pupils will hold several ‘end of era celebrations’.

One event will take place between 5pm-10pm on Friday (July 15), inviting members of the community and past pupils to share their memories and experiences of the school.

A concert will include a special reading from outgoing Welsh Poet Laureate, Gillian Clarke, a performance from the Oakdale Youth Choir, presentations from past members of staff and catering for guests.

Former assistant head teacher, Mike Storey, 66, started at the school in 1973 still works as a supply teacher at the Oakdale site, despite officially retiring in 2008.

Having taught professional boxer Joe Calzaghe and members of the Manic Street Preachers as pupils as a PE teacher, he has fond memories of the “community ethos and support from parents and pupils”.

“It’s sad that this situation should come about but it is a situation that has been on the cards for a number of years," he said.

“The time has come and it's time to develop a new school. I suppose people have to move with the times and hopefully the facilities will be beneficial to both schools under the Islwyn High name."

Head of English Maria Edwards started at the school in 2005 and described it as a “huge part of her life” and “much more than just a job.”

“I've grown up here: I've got married, I've had two children and I've had some difficult times when Oakdale has been a refuge for me,” she said.

“I know I'm incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to work here, to be happy to come to work every day to be part of this community and to have taught some truly fabulous kids.”

Fellow teacher Diane Jones added: “Where did the last 34 years go? My time at OCS has given me so many highlights with every day being different.

“It’s been an eventful, adventurous and sometimes a challenging journey, with a few breakdowns on the way — but you get back up and carry on.”

Tickets for the concert are available to current and former pupils and their families. For more information contact Oakdale Comprehensive on 01495 233600.