Teachers at Swansea’s Penyrheol Comprehensive School have begun their academic year in stunning new classrooms.
The 56 teachers and 36 associate and support staff have now returned from their summer holidays to a new main school building which replaces a structure destroyed by fire over three years ago in March 2006.
Penyrheol’s 920 pupils are due to return on Friday September 4. An official opening, with speeches and tours for special guests, is due to take place on September 25. An open evening for the community, with building tours, is planned for October 1.
The eye-catching new school features high-tech facilities, cutting-edge design and classrooms bathed in natural light.
Cllr Mike Day, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “Everybody involved in delivering this fabulous facility on time and on budget deserves praise.
“Staff and pupils can now look forward to school life in an inspirational new environment.”
Head Teacher Alan Tootill said: “I’m confident that staff and pupils will be very happy with their new building. It has professional specifications and its assets such as temperature control and natural light will greatly complement the teaching and learning environment.
“It will be a fabulous place in which to teach and learn.”
Tony de la Mare, Chair of Governors, said: “The board of governors is delighted that everybody’s hard work has paid off. We discussed the design for many months and the result is an exceptional structure with purpose-built classrooms and specialist rooms.
“Governors are very pleased with the final outcome and think it will be a wonderful learning centre for the future.”
The previous main school building was destroyed by fire in early 2006. A huge recovery operation saw lessons continue in the community, in temporary classrooms and in the school’s existing annexe building.
School managers, governors and the Council began the long and complex issue of planning a replacement building that would be fit for 21st century learning.
Building began in April last year and construction firm Carillion have now ended their work. During the summer, equipment and resources was moved from temporary accommodation to the new block.
Features at the new Penyrheol Comprehensive School include a spectacular 10m-high glass frontage to the three-storey entrance foyer, a 40m glass atrium above the technology wing and a high-spec library.
There’s also a self-contained music department, a flexible-use dining room, a specialist teaching facility and an art department with panoramic views from the second floor windows.
Corridors vary in width to take into account the expected number of people using them at peak times.
Safety features include fire-resistant panels in walls, a sprinkler system throughout and CCTV on all three floors.
Outside there is an elegant paved forecourt with lawns and curved wooden seating. An external teaching area features curved brick-built seating.
As well as the facilities, offices and 33 classrooms in the new building, teachers and pupils will continue to use the 17 classrooms and other facilities in the annexe.
