New £1.1m extension to Pinewood School

Oct 28 2010 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

pinewood

PUPILS and staff at a West Lothian school have celebrated the completion of a £1.1 million extension.

Pinewood School in Blackburn, caters for young people aged five to 18 who have a range of additional needs which can impact on learning and development.

And education bosses say that the new extension will enable the school population to be increased and will also provide state-of-the-art facilities for pupils in the primary and secondary departments.

Work included in the major upgrading of the school saw seven new classrooms being built to provide a stimulating environment for the upper primary and secondary pupils at Pinewood.

Each classroom has sensory lighting, smartboards and height adjustable sink.

And as part of the programme a new energy-efficient under floor heating system was also installed throughout the school.

At the official opening, executive councillor for education with West Lothian Council, Andrew Miller, said he was delighted to see the facilities available at Pinewood being improved and upgraded..

Councillor Miller continued: “Performing the official opening of the new extension at Pinewood School was a great honour for me and one I was delighted to undertake.

“It’s great to see first hand the excellent new facilities which are now available at the Pinewood school and to witness the difference that it will make to the pupils and staff.

“I am impressed by the use of technology.

“I’m told that the extension canopy on the back of the building, which enables our youngsters to work outside and still be sheltered from the rain, is proving to be very popular with older pupils during their breaks.”

Head teacher at the school, Pamela Greig, said the extended school is a big boost to pupils and staff.

She said: “We are all absolutely delighted with our new accommodation.

“The extension has had a huge impact on both staff and pupils, not only providing additional classroom space and activity rooms to enhance pupils learning but also providing an environment which is conducive for effective learning and teaching.

“The new extension has allowed the removal of the two transportable units that had been previously used accommodate the expanding school roll.

“The additional activity rooms include a sensory room and soft play room for the pupils.

“Both these rooms are invaluable for our pupils, providing areas for sensory learning and relaxation.

“Fundraising has enabled new equipment to be ordered to furniture each of these rooms and we would like to thank everyone who helped us to achieve this.”