CV 49 2023 | Page 16

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OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW TEACHING BLOCK AT SOUTH NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ACADEMY

South Nottinghamshire Academy in Cropwell Road , Radcliffe on Trent , celebrated the official opening of its new teaching block named The Maple Building this month .
Midlands-based main contractor G F Tomlinson lead on the construction and design the £ 2.6 million two-storey teaching block facility , which comprises new classrooms , a seminar room , independent study space , IT facilities , staff offices and welfare facilities . The building has been designed to provide enhanced learning areas for an additional 150 pupils .
The opening ceremony was attended by Dan Philpotts , executive headteacher at South Nottinghamshire Academy , Andrew Burns , chief executive of Redhill Academy Trust . School staff , governors , G F Tomlinson colleagues , local dignitaries and other partner and community organisations were also in attendance .
The scheme has been completed on behalf of South Nottinghamshire Academy , which was rated ‘ Good ’ in its most recent Ofsted report , and currently offers 600 places for children aged 11-16 plus sixth form students , with plans to accommodate the increasing need for school places in the area .
Since 2016 , following relocation into a brand-new school building , the academy has been an integral part of Redhill Academy Trust which has a proven track record of enhancing school improvement . South Nottinghamshire Academy has continued to invest in its facilities , to meet the educational needs of current and future students , including a 3G floodlit pitch .
As part of efforts to boost the environmental credentials on the project , heat recovery units were installed which enabled 100 % of all warm air in the building to be reused , increasing energy efficiency . Our site management team also created a “ Zen Zone ” which involved fencing off a dedicated area for growing vegetables with a small green house , raised bed and benches made from recycled site materials to support their mental health and wellbeing .
During construction , G F Tomlinson partnered with the academy generating social value through the provision of site tours , a careers fair and a mock interview day to enhance students ’ understanding and awareness of the careers in construction .
Chris Flint , Managing Director of G F Tomlinson , said : “ We ’ re pleased to see work has completed at South Nottinghamshire Academy . The expansion of the school means further school places can be provided for children within the area , which are currently in demand across the region .
“ The new teaching block will help to enhance student ’ s learning and educational experience , and we look forward to seeing them make use of their new space .”
Dan Philpotts , Executive Headteacher at South Nottinghamshire Academy , said : “ The new Maple building accommodation will provide our school community with a long-lasting , modern-day facility that will undoubtedly enhance students ’ educational experience . We are so proud of our firstclass facilities , and we look forward to a very exciting future .”
Andrew Burns , Chief Executive of Redhill Academy Trust , said : “ We are all pleased to see the continued popularity and demand for places at the South Nottinghamshire Academy . These great new facilities will help our students achieve their very best .”
To find out more about the school and further information about student places , visit : www . southnottinghamshireacademy . org . uk