Design & Build
schools and four secondary schools. Shortlisted schools were invited to BFE UK on 9-10 May where they were challenged to design a comprehensive learning resource centre. Teams of four from each school were assisted by qualified architects and designers, courtesy of Surface to Air Architects and RIBA. The prize included a 60m2
modular classroom
provided by Elliott Modular Buildings, complete furniture provision from Rhubarb Solutions, an interactive whiteboard from Smart Technologies and all necessary consultancy and installation services provided by EC Harris.
Schools were asked to consider sustainability, value for money, ICT integration and the use of external learning spaces in their designs. At the end of each day, the designs were judged by a panel of industry experts including representation from the Education Funding Agency, the Transformation Trust and Building Magazine. The two winning schools, Park School (primary) and Lordswood School (secondary), were crowned the winners and both were delighted to bag this prize worth £100k.
Park School Teacher in Charge, Amanda Bellamy said “I am so proud that on the big day the Park team showed their characteristic creativity and with great resilience and determination, built on the original ideas of all of our children that had got us to the finals. We were already delighted that the competition had inspired and empowered them. Actually winning the new classroom is beyond our wildest dreams and will be an amazing addition to our school.”
Boosting morale
Lordswood Boys School Teacher, Neil Mackintosh commented: “To be selected to the national final of the competition on its own was fantastic and just travelling down to London and working with the architects all day was a reward on its own. The pupils had a fantastic day and knowing that it was their hard work and presentations that won has had a huge impact on their self esteem and self confidence. They have since had to repeat the presentation to the governing body! Winning has been a huge boost to the school. Our buildings are falling apart and we have had no joy getting funding from the local authority or central government. This has raised morale hugely.” Lordswood pupil, Theodore, said: “I was really honoured to be chosen to represent the school and it was a big day out, starting by meeting at school at 6am! As the oldest pupil I had to lead the presentation to the judges and was really nervous about letting the rest of the team down. I feel really proud that we won.”
Head teacher David Hadley-Price added: “This is stunning news for the school. Our rapidly improving learning culture exists within a dilapidated and depressing building. Our boys,
Priority Schools Building Programme
Commenting on Michael Gove’s announcement regarding the Priority Schools Building Programme last month, Nusrat Faizullah, CEO of the British Council for School Environments, said: “It’s great to finally see that some schools, at least, will be replaced or refurbished under the Priority School Building Programme.
“It’s also good to see that schools in the very worst condition will be fast-tracked; we hope there will be a clear and simple process to ensure this happens quickly.
“But this is only a beginning. Hundreds of schools have lost out after being told by the previous government their schools will be rebuilt; they too must have their building needs addressed. “To make the next steps a success, Government must ensure it gets the very best value for money from each pound. The procurement approach will be key to make that happen — we must learn from the bureaucratic mistakes of BSF and focus on playing to the strength and skills of the school design and construction industry.
“New or refurbished schools must be built to a decent standard and built to last, or we end up storing trouble for future generations of teachers and children.”
Katja Hall, CBI Chief Policy Director, said in a separate statement: “This programme will help improve the quality of school teaching environments up and down the country, and importantly it will also support job creation and growth at a time when we need it most. “The Government must ensure that the procurement process gets underway quickly, is well planned and robust, and that Whitehall departments work together to deliver the programme effectively.”
June 2012
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Park School pupil Rose, aged ten, said “When they started to announce the results I was terrified even though I believed in my heart that we would win. When we came back to school the next day a special school meeting was held so we could share our experience and celebrate with the whole school. Everyone was ecstatic.”
many of whom come from the toughest parts of Birmingham, are a credit to themselves and to the school. This building will be a ray of hope for them to focus on, giving a much needed boost to the morale of staff and students alike and a new centre for our Combined Cadet Force. Winning is a reflection of the talent and determination of our boys and the dedication and vision of our staff.” BFE UK is proud to be able to bring these opportunities to UK schools.
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