Historic Mansfield school buries time capsule to be opened in 40 years

As part of its 460th anniversary celebrations, the time capsule has been buried on the academy site on Chesterfield Road South to be opened in 40 years’ time.

Principal Kimberley Willmot hosted the socially-distanced ceremony, which was attended by Mansfield mayor Andy Abrahams – who is a former Queen Elizabeth’s student.

The capsule has been filled with notes from students and staff and information about the pandemic and how it has shaped the way education has changed in 2021.

Also included are photographs from around the academy, newspapers and other publications from this year, together with literature such as it prospectus, the academy prayer book and letters from dignitaries such as Mr Abrahams and David Cotton, the chief executive of Diverse Academies Trust.

Mrs Willmot said: “Putting together the time capsule has been an emotional and enjoyable experience, especially given the events of 2020 and how this has changed both education and lives in general.

"To see so many students and staff want to add their thoughts for the future has been a wonderful moment, we hope that in 2061 when the capsule is opened that the academy is thriving and still providing education to further generations of children in Mansfield.”

Mr Cotton said the time capsule was another landmark moment in the school’s proud history.

“There are few other schools in the country that can boast the heritage and longevity of Queen Elizabeth’s, and all staff are proud to work in such an historic school,” he said.

"I was delighted to be asked to contribute to the time capsule and wonder what education will look like in 2061.

"As Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘the best way to predict your future is to create it’, now is the opportunity for us to redefine how education looks so that in 2061, our young people have the widest opportunities available to them.”

Further events are planned throughout the year to continue the 460th anniversary celebrations.