NEW OFFMORE PRIMARY SCHOOL OPENS ITS DOORS TO PUPILS

The school has been built by building contractor Speller Metcalfe to replace the temporary portacabin accommodation that was being used as classrooms, and to withstand the mild, wet winters and hotter, dry summers that are expected over the next few decades.

Suffice to this, a range of sustainable features have been incorporated into the design to ensure a more energy efficient school, running on lower costs and offering high levels of comfort for pupils and staff.

A visible example of such characteristics is the use of sedum (grass) roof technology; this acts to insulate, reduce noise, improve building aesthetics, provide a bio-diverse habitat for animals and plants and alleviate flooding – working in conjunction with rainwater harvesting systems which are evident around all the external areas.

Other elements of the build include natural ventilation, motion-sensored, low energy lighting and an air heating and cooling system that monitors CO₂ levels – automatically adjusting air circulation accordingly.

Pupils have been particularly involved in the project, with building contractor Speller Metcalfe providing educational opportunities throughout the build, including a ‘design a tile’ competition, with final designs being produced and fitted into bathroom and changing facilities.

Kate Beer, Headteacher at Offmore said: “Children, parents, staff and pupils are thoroughly delighted with our new school; the facilities are amazing and provide an excellent learning base full of opportunities for all pupils, and we are very grateful to Speller Metcalfe.

“Now that the construction has been completed, the pupils and staff are taking full advantage of actively learning about the many sustainable technologies within the site.”