The official VIP group included Provost Winifred Sloan with Councillors Toner, Davies, McIntosh, Fisher, Hunter, Moonie, McFarlane, Allan and Campbell
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Pupils, staff, parents and the local community came together at Heathfield Primary in Ayr on Wednesday (25 January) for an evening of song, music and dance in honour of the official opening of the school's new £3.7 million extension.
The completion of the extension – the key feature of an overall £4.5 million reconfiguration programme – marks a new era for the school, which was originally built in 1931, and is currently home to 649 school pupils and nursery children.
The extension replaces the old dining/gym hall, which was no longer fit for purpose. It features eye-catching designs and creative concepts developed in consultation with pupils, staff, parents and the community to make the best possible use of light, height, space and colour that deliver a real 'wow' factor for anyone using the extension.
Accommodated within the new extension are dedicated PE facilities, dining hall, stage area, music department, and library resource area complete with bespoke library and ICT area, furniture and open balconies, creating an attractive and pleasant learning environment.
In addition to the extension, there have been improvements to the existing internal accommodation within the school to enhance staff facilities and to create enhanced support facilities for pupils. This includes significant improvements to accessible facilities including disabled toilets, accessible changing room and the installation of lifts throughout the school.
Externally, the school now benefits from a new car park for staff and visitors and enhanced landscaping. New seating has also been installed alongside new bike shelters to encourage pupils to cycle to school. And an eye-catching outdoor feature has been created thanks to the donation from parent, Stewart Arthur, of a large sundial, under which pupils have buried a time capsule.
Head Teacher Carol Shearing said: "When our old dining hall was reduced to a pile of rubble in summer 2010, we had no idea what we were getting in its place and to say the new extension has exceeded all our expectations can only be described as an understatement. The children were in awe when they saw the building and, more importantly, it gives us the facilities we need to deliver Curriculum for Excellence to the standard our pupils deserve.
"The extension is a vital part of our school and we want to thank everyone involved in turning our ideas and vision into a reality, particularly the architects, Holmes Partnership and builders Mansell Construction."
Councillor Margaret Toner, Deputy Leader of South Ayrshire Council unveiled the commemorative plaque to mark the official opening. She said: "From the outside, it's hard to think that the extension has not always been part of the school – it complements the original building exceptionally well and blends in with the overall environment, which also now provides an outdoor classroom for pupils to enjoy.
"However, while the outside is very impressive, it's when you come inside that the fun really starts! The design and use of the additional space provides a wonderful range of enhanced facilities for both pupils and staff that ensures we can deliver the best possible educational experience for anyone coming through these doors.
"With this extension, Heathfield really is one of the most impressive schools I've ever seen and I only wish schools had been like this when I was younger!"
Councillor Hywel Davies, Portfolio Holder for Lifelong Learning, added: "The work undertaken at Heathfield Primary is a terrific example of the investment we are putting into our school estate throughout South Ayrshire to ensure our children enjoy the best possible education and benefit from all that Curriculum for Excellence has to offer.
"That commitment continues this year with more than £7 million earmarked in our 2012/13 capital programme for improvements in schools, making sure the standard of our education is matched by the standard of our school buildings. I'm delighted with the new Heathfield extension and look forward to seeing our other projects completed in a similarly successful way."
The views of the Councillors and head teacher were also echoed by pupils and parents:
- "The library is quiet, peaceful and has comfy seating." Josh Harvey P6
- "I could not believe my eyes when I saw the dinner hall." Emily Welstead P3
- "Very spacious, modern, fancy, bright, colourful, huge, breathtaking." Beth Gordon P6
- "Building will improve pupils' learning because of the tutorial rooms." Shelley Miller P6
- "Fantastic, modern extension. Exciting times for pupils, teachers and parents. Wish I was back at school now." Gillian Milton, parent
- "An innovative and inspiring build which complements the more traditional area of the school. Will benefit all pupils in so many ways. A major impact on the whole community." Gaenor Hardy, parent
- "I left Heathfield as a P7 pupil 27 years ago and I am now delighted that my son who is in P1 in 2012 will be able to use such fantastic, state-of-the-art facilities for his primary education." Derek Peters, parent
- "Fab extension and fab school. Our new extension has added many new elements to equip our children with all the relevant skills to take them forward to secondary education." Ayshia Henderson, parent
The official opening of the extension was followed by a dedication from school chaplain, Reverend David Watson and an exciting entertainment programme performed by pupils.