Welcoming and vibrant
Pupils at heart of building
The new West Calder High School has welcomed over 1000 visitors since it opened its doors in June.
The visitors have included parents, the community and teaching professionals from across the country.
Headteacher Julie Calder gave an enthusiastic update to members of the Fauldhouse and Breich Valley Local Area Committee, and pointed to the input pupils have had in creating the ethos of the vibrant new £32m school - right down to a friendly lion.
“They wanted to keep the colours, the red and black, and they wanted to keep the lion in the badge, only make him more friendly,” she said.
The result? A school at the cutting-edge of design, populated by a traditionally uniform-clad body of students - revelling in a space which is transforming the conventions of high school.
“It’s been very busy, and an exciting journey,” said Mrs Calder.
“It’s a very exciting time with great feedback from pupils and parents.”
“We’ve got everyone in a tie and blazer. And we notice them walking a bit taller. They are looking fantastic. You can see that pride in them.”
The building’s design throws out the traditional closed-off classroom to open up education to a world of glass walls and break-out spaces called plazas.
Julie spoke of the frequent comments from visitors of a sense of calm and order, and while there is a sense of openness in the school there are plenty of places for children can go which are “quiet, nurturing spaces”.
The LAC was given a video presentation showing pupils at work and relaxing in the new open-space environment.
“There is a classroom for every class, and a number of break-out areas. It’s an incredible opportunity presented with the space,” said Mrs Calder.
The school has 705 pupils and draws children from a large geographical area stretching from the Lanarkshire boundary in the west to the border with Edinburgh city in six cluster primaries from Addiewell to Kirknewton.
Councillor Pauline Clark, on the LAC, and a mother-of-two at the school told the meeting: “I’d just like to say they love being at the school.”
It’s been very busy, and an exciting journey