Throughout my period of Headship, the Governors and I have been determined to ensure that our learning environments are of the highest quality possible for current and future students. Over the last four years we have been undergoing several aspects of site development to ensure we are moving constantly forward in this respect. The whole school community is very pleased with the refurbishments to date and these are already making a very positive impact on learning. Throughout our building schedule we have ensured that infra-structure is installed to allow access to the latest technologies, including wireless networking, projectors and white boards.

This year:

We will be opening our new £1.7 million extension to enhance our College (post 16) learning environments.  This includes new teaching areas, a new College Library, ICT and multi resource areas, a new Café and Common Room. This will bring College provision in line with modern learning requirements and give our college students the accommodation they deserve. The College is an excellent part of our learning community and has been very successful since its re-opening in 1996, sending hundreds of students onto successful university courses and careers.

Recapping on the progress we have made since 2004 across the whole site:

Over the last two years:

• We have created a new Student Services Reception including First Aid.
• We also have an Integrated Seclusion Unit, managed all day by trained personnel.
• The refurbishment of another part of the ground floor of the House Block, including the new Ryder House area and refurbished teaching rooms for Modern Foreign Languages
• We are very pleased with the total refit of the Sports Hall and the provision of new changing rooms and toilets.
• As part of this project we have created a new Music Suite, including recording studios, practice rooms, music ICT and performance areas for Music and Music Technology.
• Remodelling of the School Library and Learning Resources Centre and Learning Support in the lower House Block

Previously:

• In September 2005 we opened a new science laboratory, fitted out with the best laboratory equipment and furniture. A light and well ventilated room on the ground floor, large enough for all science classes, complementing 10 science existing laboratories.
• Also in September 2005 we opened a second drama studio, providing us with an interconnected suite of two studios and associated resource areas. These are equipped for lighting and technical work and the flooring is suitable for all performing arts. Churchill House area was also refurbished.
• In June 2006 a lift was built to give access to the upper house block. This was a much needed facility and enabled the foyer area to be completely refurbished, providing better circulation areas for everyone.
• Throughout the last four years we have continued with the re-cladding of Technology areas and the main Hall. This has transformed these into better ventilated and double glazed areas, which has also made a difference to heating and sound proofing.
  
• In June 2006 we opened our new catering department. The kitchen has been completely rebuilt and contains the latest equipment which is ideal for the provision of healthy and exciting menus. We have changed to in-house catering and cleaning. Both services are therefore now under the control of the school and are managed by our Facilities Manager
  
• In order to improve the safety and security on site we installed 36 CCTV cameras. This allows
  the whole site to be monitored day and night.
  
• We also built a safer entrance, dividing visitor parking from the main parking areas and installing zebra crossings to ensure traffic is alerted to pedestrian movement from fenced pathways. We encourage cycling to school and our secure bicycle park is part of this initiative. We also have new fencing and gates across the front of the school.
  
• Within Art and Technology we remodelled a digital photography area, a pottery workshop and a design centre.

By keeping the environment as up to date as possible in terms of suitability for modern learning, access, safety and security, we are building a very positive future for the school and college. A good environment makes a huge contribution to positive learning and involvement. It engenders an atmosphere of respect and calm in our school community.

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