Richard Rose Academy
Businessman Brian Scowcroft revealed he was expecting news on the bid as he presented details and designs of the new Richard Rose Central Academy to more than 200 pupils.
He said: “We’re hoping to hear any day now if the Youth Zone, the club that will be built alongside the academy, has been successful. It will be a fantastic place to go with lots of sports, drama and social facilities for you to enjoy.”
It was one of the developments academy leaders presented in a series of events on Thursday afternoon. Presentations were also held for staff and academy neighbours on Lismore Place.
Two events for parents are scheduled to take place at the academy’s current temporary site in Harraby on November 17 and 18 at 7pm. A letter to parents from director Mark Yearsley was sent home with pupils yesterday.
One of the hottest talking points among pupils immediately after they left their event was news that designs for the £30m city centre academy, which will be built on the site of the old St Aidan’s School, included shared toilets for staff and students.
The futuristic three-storey academy building would also see the end of traditional school corridors and classrooms.
They would be replaced by contemporary open-plan layouts and new ‘learning spaces’.
Architect Matthew Hird talked of how classrooms would lead off from a main central atrium, which itself could host full-school assemblies and lunchtime dining for 1,700 pupils and staff.
Introducing a bright, airy feel, many classrooms would have floor-to-ceiling glass walls separating them from the atrium. There would also be moveable partitions to create new learning areas suitable to class sizes and needs.
The pupils, in years seven, eight and nine, aged 11 to 14 years, were asked to cheer or boo at the end to show whether they liked or disliked the designs. They were met with a mixed response.
Mr Scowcroft said to the youngsters: “I can’t say how excited I am to be able to show off just what the new school will look like.
“The process started two years ago but has really hotted up this year. The objective is to have it ready by September 2010.
“The building is not what you expect it to be. It will be a fantastic place to go. It is not like any school you’ve seen. It is bright and airy inside, it’s really different.”
Mr Scowcroft also told pupils that they will have a computer for every lesson when the new academy building opens. Plans have been created following a series of consultation meetings with staff, pupils and other interested parties that have led to 12 ‘design drivers’.
They include the desire to create a large, central space as well as a ‘business-like’ atmosphere and pleasant environment.
Peter Noble, chief executive of the Richard Rose Federation which runs the academy, told pupils: “What we want to make sure is that the learning you do will prepare you for the world of work.”
Year seven pupils also designed their own academy models, highlighting what features they would like to see in a new school.
The top 10 finalists were invited to show off their models during the presentation. Elements they featured, such as flat-screen TVs and areas to relax in with settees and bean bags, will appear in the new academy. Three winners, including first prize winner Lee Herring, were presented with prizes by Mr Scowcroft.
Senior members of Kier Construction, the firm selected as the preferred contractor to build four new academy schools in Cumbria; experts from Capita and Sue Wilkinson, the academies’ lead at Cumbria County Council, were also at the presentations.
Academy bosses and designers had visited other academies in both the UK and Denmark to get an idea of how they would like the Carlisle academy to look.
The central academy designs are due to be completed next month before a planning application is submitted in December or January. It is hoped construction can start next spring.
