Princethorpe Pupils Bury Time Capsule Under The New Science Centre

The special composite capsule was buried under the entrance to the new Science Centre which is currently under construction. It included letters and articles produced by Year 7 pupils in their History lessons, reflecting life today and their hopes for the future. Amongst the treasures was memorabilia from 2022, including a flag from the UEFA Women’s Euros, newspaper articles about the appointment of the new Prime Minister, Liz Truss, and news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passing. Pupils also included popular comics, such as the Beano and The Week, as well as brochures and magazines reflecting the school. Then there was one last essential for life in the 2020s, a lateral flow test - something that hopefully will be a distant memory for those digging up the capsule in 2072. The location of the capsule has been registered with The International Time Capsule Society and can be opened in 50 years.

Year 7 pupils, Lauren and Krishan, together with their History teacher, Tracey Hester, and Foundation Assistant Head, Alex Darkes, handed over the time capsule to the contractors, Trendgrey Construction, who are building the new £8 million Science Centre at the top of the College’s Lime Walk. Lauren and Krishan then got to place the capsule in the cavity under the floor, assisted by Kevin Wynne, Site Manager, before the floor blocks were replaced and the cavity was sealed.

Comments, Foundation Assistant Head, Alex Darkes, “The new Science Centre is a significant project for Princethorpe and the burial of the time capsule is an exciting way for pupils to engage with and commemorate the new building.”

“There are some really interesting documents and artefacts in the time capsule that will be fascinating for future pupils to unearth in 2072. It was a pleasure to watch pupils come together to share these important memories, capturing the history of the school and life in 2022 and leaving behind treasures for future generations.”

An immense amount of hard work, and energy has gone into the new Science Centre project and the build is progressing well, with the current focus being on getting the building watertight. The project is on track to be completed by mid 2023 with the Science Centre opening its doors for pupils next school year.