Big School Makeover - 6 months on
14-Mar-2010
It's been 6 months since the Big School Makeover launch demonstration projects. Here's what the Headteacher's of some of the schools had to say about the way the project has inspired them:
"PCC is undergoing a major makeover in all respects – rebranding, curriculum changes, policy changes and much more – all leading to improvements in results. The Big Makeover was the catalyst that sparked the transformational change that we are now experiencing. It demonstrated that the environment can be changed without huge expense and have a big impact on life and culture of the school. Our students enjoy using the Oasis area, it is not only used for eating but also as a meeting place for student voice, mentoring, etc"
Stuart McLaughlin, Headteacher, Portslade Community College
"The library has become a real oasis in terms of providing the children with a quiet, calm and relaxed area. At various points throughout the day you will see it being used by classes of children and small groups being read to by the teacher. One of the unexpected outcomes has been the requests by children to use the library out of curriculum time e.g. lunchtimes.
A parenting course, in conjunction with the local library ,was held in the new library. Parents were given the opportunity to learn how to make books and parents have requested to be able to use the library afer school. We held the award ceremony for parents in the library.
The school is now purchasing new library software and a program called accelerated reader designed to promote reading and an opportunity for parents to become involved in their reading by providing up to date information online for parents.
The 'works room' is being used by small groups who hae access to ICT wirelessly.
We have now got the appetite for more developing and would like to be involved in the project in future years. It shows that despite the age of the building we don';t need a new school but a traditional one can be made fit for the 21st century."
Michael Cooke, Headteacher, Plymouth Grove Primary School
"The library at Bridgerule school has now become a vibrant area for learning. Since the completion of the makeover, the school has invested in two new workstations in the library, one of which has the online version of the Junior Librarian software. This has supported learners at the school to become independent users of the library resource. The Library area is now used for guided reading and writing, small group support, research and study as well as a fully functional library. The children, staff, parents and governors at the school are hugely grateful for the contribution made by all those involved in the Big School Makeover at Bridgerule school."
Matt Barnes, Headteacher, Bridgerule Primary School