Central to the school’s vision of being a leading learning community, our new Science, Music, Drama and Debating Centre will celebrate science and the arts in an inspiring, cross-curricular environment.
Future Plans
What can we expect from the new centre?
Dr Will Dixon“The number of students choosing STEM subjects at A Level continues to increase alongside the number of those going on to study these subjects at university. These facilities build on that commitment to engaging girls in STEM in the classroom and beyond.
Head of Science
Where are we now?
Senior School
Science lessons continue to be taught in the astro-centre which features high quality, bright, well-resourced laboratories, designed to meet the needs of our students in these popular and critical academic subjects.
Junior School
Our exciting new adventure playground has already been built and the Junior School façade has now been transformed.
Ground works have been completed to allow foundations to be built and a concrete slab to be created.
Additional floors, internal staircases and the lift shaft have now been constructed.
We reached a construction milestone at the end of September, as the new building ‘topped out’.
What happens next?
We are pleased and relieved that the project has continued despite the Covid-19 crisis. That said, the pandemic has understandably changed the way in which our contractors are operating, to ensure that they are safe and responsible on site.
- Over the coming months, you will see the beginning of work on the external façade.
- The centre is now expected to welcome its first pupils in June 2021.
- The temporary accommodation is scheduled to be removed over the summer holidays 2021, so that the outdoor space can once again be enjoyed by pupils for sport and during break and lunchtimes.
- Work to upgrade the cafeteria will also take place over the summer holidays 2021, to ensure improved dining facilities are ready for pupils in September 2021.
- By September 2021 the project will be complete with pupils enjoying all of the new facilities including science labs, music teaching and rehearsal spaces, drama rooms and the Forum debating area, as well as the new-look cafeteria.
Throughout the project, our priority has been, and will continue to be, the wellbeing and education of our current pupils as well as ensuring that we are a good neighbour. We will use our considerable experience of managing building works to ensure minimal disruption to our pupils, including isolating the site to limit dust and noise. All work is being carefully scheduled, including avoiding examination times.
There will of course be further updates as the project develops.
Watch the progress of our new Science, Music, Drama and Debating Centre