Pupils’ big flit brought forward to spring
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Pupils will get to move into their brand new primary schools almost two months early.
The shared campus of the new St John Bosco and Bargarran primary schools in Erskine is being handed over to Renfrewshire Council in April.
The schools, and St John Bosco’s early learning and childcare class, will move into their brand new state-of-the-art classrooms just after the spring holiday, with pupils having an extra three-day break from April 16 to 18 while the move takes place.
Education and children’s services convener Councillor Jim Paterson said: “It’s great news that the building is ready ahead of schedule and we have already informed parents.
“The new shared building provides the best possible learning environment for pupils and children and allows them to reach their full potential.
“The three-day closure period will allow staff to set up before the return of children and pupils.”
The new building has mirrored wings for both schools over two levels, with flexible spaces to support independent learning.
On the ground floor, all classrooms lead out into a courtyard, with canopied areas for outside learning, while upstairs, pupils have access to a balcony area. Toilets and cloakroom facilities link to the outside and the shared dining hall will double up as an ‘after school’ area.
The new facility includes an all- weather sports pitch, as well as a feature green roof where seeds from native species will be planted and video links to classrooms will allow pupils to view wildlife in real time.
The early move means that the demolition of the existing buildings should be completed by October this year, instead of December.
The £16 million work, which started in January 2017, is part of Renfrewshire Council’s £ 52 million investment programme to improve local schools and promote learning and achievement by giving children the best possible learning environment.
Damian Heron, from contractors Heron Bros, said: “Heron Bros is delighted to hand over the shared campus for St John Bosco and Bargarran Primary School two months early.
“Our project management team developed an innovative solution that enabled the fast-tracking of the programme and we are delighted to have been able to complete the project ahead of schedule.
“We would like to thank the entire project team and our local supply chain who all worked in collaboration to deliver this marvellous facility so efficiently, and wish the staff and pupils success and happiness in their new home.”