St Mary’s Primary School celebrates the census

Pupils at St Mary’s Primary School in Crewe have been learning about the upcoming census.

The census takes place on March 27, with questionnaires now being delivered to homes across Cheshire East.

The Year Five pupils spent the day with Census Man, learning all about the 2011 Census and the history surrounding it.

The children looked at how life has changed in the hundreds of years since the very first census and how the details from past questionnaires can be used to find out more about local history.

They took part in a number of activities, such as; using slates and chalk to write down their times tables, writing a fictional diary of child living in 1911, designing clothes from the 19th Century and learning how to play marbles.

Cheshire East Census area manager, Liam O’Connor, said: “For the majority of the children, this was the first time they had heard of the census and can safely say they children had fun learning all about it. They were very welcoming and I want to thank them for their enthusiasm.

“I was very impressed at how quickly they got to grips with the subject, asking all manner of questions and getting involved with the activities.”

Vivienne Quayle Cheshire East Council’s Head of policy and performance said: “It would be unfortunate if the 2011 Census passes without children being aware of why it’s taking place and of its importance.

“Lessons like these take just a couple of hours and relate to all manner of subjects, including history and sociology. The feedback from the school was very positive and I would like to thank them for their involvement.”