Delight for pupils as new school is unveiled
PUPILS and have been given their first glimpse of a new £15.5million school in the west of Glasgow.
The state-of-the-art school will take over from the old Blairdardie Primary School, a few hundred yards away.
At its centre is a multipurpose hall gymnasium which doubles as a canteen area, assembly hall and stage where audiences can enjoy performances by pupils.
The new school will cater for 462 pupils who will move into their stylish new home on
Large groups of youngsters took the opportunity to a have a peek at the classrooms and facilities of the threefloor building at an open day held on Friday.
Pupils and staff said farewell to their old school on Friday will begin classes at the purpose-built facility on Wednesday.
Alison Pears, head teacher at Blairdardie Primary is thrilled to be the first head at the £15.5million school after only six weeks in her job.
She said: “It’s like Christmas, or the day before Christmas.
“I got the job in October and I’ve only been in the post for six weeks.
“I feel incredibly lucky, the staff and the children have all been wonderful.”
The school was constructed by BAM and designed by Holmes Miller.
It was funded by Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government and features underfloor heating throughout the school.
As part of its modern innovative design is a bright atrium with bright orange panelled walls and giant steps which can be used as seating or breakout areas.
Next to them stairs lead to the upper floors where large classrooms will be occupied by 25-23 pupils.
There are five classrooms on each of the three floors plus additional breakout areas and quieter spaces.
The design also includes two general purpose areas, media library, a health and wellbeing room and retreat space.
Excited children visiting for the first time already had a row of named coat hooks installed where pupils could hang their coats.
“Look at the classrooms, they look much bigger” said one as another pupil searched for her own named coat hook.
She told her mum: “It’s going to be fantastic I can’t wait.”
The school is being completed in stages with the Phase 1 marking the opening of the school.
Phase 2 will see the demolition of their old building and the creation of an 11-a-side 3G pitch and a grass pitch stretching the perimeter of their old school.
Councillor Chris Cunningham, city convener for education, skills & early years said: “This is an amazing new building for the pupils and staff – I’m sure they can’t wait to move in this week and begin to make memories in their new school.
“Thanks to all partners who helped make the build possible and I’m delighted we have a new flagship school for Glasgow and the Blairdardie community to enjoy.”