On June 5, 1970, part of the £1million Sunderland building was left in smouldering ruins after a fire.
Flames ripped through the top floor of a science, art and commerce block at Thornhill School.
Yet somehow, two thirds of the block were back in use by the time pupils returned after the six weeks holidays.
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9. 'In the middle of O levels'
"I think I was in the middle of O levels and can remember walking down between exams to see the damage.": Susan Palmer. | se
10. 'I noticed smoke coming from the science block'
"I lived in Belle Vue Park West when I got up for early shift I noticed smoke coming from the science block and rang the fire brigade": Stewart Francis. | se
11. 'Over the moon to go home'
"I remember this, going to school and been turned back, at the time we were over the moon to go home": Janet Colling. | se
12. 'Mam took some convincing'
“Mam took some convincing until my brother also came home": Joyce Nemeth. | se