WEST Wallsend High School is travelling back in time to revisit its first days.
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The school opened in 1964 on the former Seaham No. 1 colliery site.
It had just 380 students in years seven to 12, and 21 staff members.
Today, there are 632 students and a range of features that make the school unique, from two on-site museums to an Aboriginal Dreamtime circle.
This Friday, the school will hold an open day as part of its year-long 50th birthday celebrations.
The public is invited to see a display of memorabilia in the library and museums, which hold artefacts dating back to the site's mining days in the 1800s.
The all-day event will start at 9.30am with an assembly.
There will be a morning tea in the library and activities to follow, including dance and musical performances, street theatre, raffles and food stalls.
On the day, the school will bury a time capsule containing mementoes from students.
Year 7 history students have been researching topics in newspapers and magazines which will show what life was like in 2014.
■ West Wallsend High School's open day will start at 9.30am on Friday and run all day. Entry is free. For more information phone the school on 4953 2111.