School receives a very public face-lift on BBC Breakfast Show
Southfield School in Bedford Park got a very public face-lift this week. The 102 year old primary school was featured during a five day intensive renovation which will be broadcast on the BBC Breakfast Show. The work was orchestrated by the British Council for School Environments (BCSE) and involved the good will of more than a dozen British companies.
The make-over will saw three areas of the school transformed into vibrant learning environments including a new art room with mezzanine gallery, an outdoor “green” classroom and a multi-sensory drama and music studio in the school’s attic space.
Ideas were sought from Southfield pupils who have had a major input on what the areas will contain as well as colours and fabric.
Head Teacher Charles Morris said, “This is an exciting project that will allow us to convert antiquated areas of the school into purpose-built 21st Century learning environments. The project is unique in that it is driven entirely through the good-will of companies and businesses who wish to volunteer their time, energy, skills and materials as an investment in local children.”
“I have been wholly impressed by the desire of so many companies to get involved and the work will afford us the opportunity to move the Southfield even further forward. It represents the best in business partnership. Our Southfield Parent Staff Association has been heroic in raising funds for re-development over the past few years but budgetary restrictions would never have allowed us to undertake all this work in a period of a few years- let alone in five days! The project is being featured on the BBC Breakfast Show throughout the week so it can be an example to all businesses that even in a difficult financial climate, there is opportunity for communities to work together.”
“Southfield, is to be highlighted in an up-coming OFSTED paper for its commitment to environmental sustainability. Therefore it was crucial that the project remained as green as possible. The outdoor classroom will be constructed from renewable resources.”
June 26, 2008
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