Member Article

Primary school looks to future sustainabilty

A primary school based in the heart of Birmingham has undergone a £1.5m transformation to extend its facilities to accommodate the growing number of pupils attending its school.

Clifton Primary School was extended by 404m², by remodelling its original reception and Key Stage 1 building. Designed by Bournville Architects and completed in September 2014, the development of the Early Years Foundation Stage building created a coherent unit for the schools 60-place nursery and 4 Reception classes, fully accessible for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

The masterplan for the project also addressed the school’s ‘Eco Warriors’ objectives on sustainability by including low water consumption fittings, a low impact and energy efficient internal lighting system and rainwater harvesting.

The school’s remodelling has created a welcoming learning environment that is both inclusive and safe for its ever-growing student numbers as headteacher of Clifton Primary School, Christine Mitchell, says: “It was vital that the new build was completed in time for the new pupil intake in September 2014 in order to accommodate both new and current pupils.

“Our vision is to enable all children to achieve their full potential in a safe, welcoming and happy learning environment, an objective Bournville Architects shared with us.

“The new build has provided the school with a purpose-built entrance and facilities to parents as well as giving the school a hall flexible for assemblies, performances, PE, lunches and parental workshops.”

Sustainability, health and wellbeing were at the core of Bournville Architects’ design as Ian Tipton – director at Bournville Architects – says: “As Birmingham continues to expand more school places are needed for the growing demand.

“Clifton Primary School needed a facility that would continue to cater for generations to come. With the creation of a dedicated entrance and facilities for parents, the school is now a family-based, all encompassing learning zone.

“Nature areas for the pupils of Clifton Primary School have allowed pupil learning to move away from the classroom and into the outdoors– something which is crucial when learning about sustainability,” says Ian.

With 824 students currently enrolled in Clifton Primary School – which dates back to 1878 – the school has recently achieved an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted report and continues to make strides towards improving the lives of its pupils and the community.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Bournville Architects .