About the Project
The new multi-million pound, two-storey building will be a state-of-the-art contemporary teaching space that will offer our staff and students, across all subjects and all disciplines, the chance to use the latest technology as part of their day-to-day learning.
The First Floor will contain two new multi-discipline Science Labs that will enhance our existing Physics, Chemistry and Biology Labs. This new fully equipped space will be able to be used either as smaller practical classrooms for collaborative working or as one large room – big enough to accommodate a whole year group, for large scale experiments, demonstrations, lectures or presentations.
The building, situated in a landscaped courtyard with space for socialising at break and lunchtimes, will be fully accessible and connected on both sides to the existing science labs and the main school classrooms.
Work will begin on this exciting new project in October half-term and will be completed for the start of the Autumn Term in September 2024. Safety and compliance are at the forefront of our planning and we have taken considerable time to select contractors who are not only experienced at working in a school setting but understand the importance of minimising disruption. It will be a ‘quiet build’ with contractors using hand tools where possible, rather than too many noisy power tools. We are lucky that the area of the build can be easily ring-fenced by a solid hoarding and impact on the rest of the school will be minimal.
The Ground Floor will be an Innovation Space which can be used for lessons, clubs or project work. Within this exciting space the students will be able to let their imaginations go wild. The latest Surface Pro computers, CAD/CAM software, 3D printers, laser cutters and thermoplastic modelling and robotics will inspire the next generation of female engineers. This innovative and creative area will also have a multimedia zone, video wall complete with green screen technology and recording facilities for podcasting – watch this space!
We have also taken this opportunity to install a further new building to enhance our Pastoral offering which we are calling the ND Hive. This will be a peaceful, landscaped space set slightly away from the hustle and bustle of school where Mrs Windibank, the Pastoral Team and Heads of Year can talk to and work with students in a dedicated and comfortable environment. There will also be additional teaching space in ND Hive.
We are very excited about these new investments in our school and we are committed to continuing to enrich our students’ learning and expand their horizons and opportunities both now and for the future and we have no doubt that this new ND INNOVATION SPACE will do just that.
