View from the playing field looking north
Description of the new building taken from the official brochure for the opening in September 1965
The School, designed for 70 children aged 5-11 years as part campus for three schools, is located at the northern side of the site with playground and playing fields on the south side.
A main entrance for staff with adjoining car parking facilities is provided from Highfield Road, with two secondary entrances for children on the east and west sides of the School.
The aim of the design was to produce a building domestic and friendly in character, avoiding an institutional atmosphere. Apart from the Classrooms, the accommodation includes an Assembly Hall, Physical Education and Dining facilities including Kitchen, Staff and Medical Rooms, and the School is therefore a self-contained unit.
In view of the small number of classrooms, the Assembly Hall is used as a common centre with circulation reduced to a minimum. Sliding and folding screens between the Assembly Hall and Classroom enable the Assembly Hall to be combined with any number of Classrooms. This planning arrangement permits Assembly Hall area to be increased for school functions. Direct service from the Kitchen into this area is provided.
The three Classrooms have been allocated as - one for Infants two for Juniors. Separate entrances and cloakrooms for Infants and Juniors provide a self-contained Infant Unit which has separate access to all school facilities, including access to the playground area from their classroom. It is therefore possible for children commencing school to become familiar with the school atmosphere without being forced to mix with older children.
Special consideration has been given to storage and display facilities. The main School Store is located adjoining the Staff Room and each Classroom has a general store. In addition, classrooms have built-in cupboards, shelf-units and worktops with sink drainers. Wall spaces not used for built-in fittings are covered with pin-up boards and display panels. A curtained alcove in Assembly Hall gives the storage facilities for the dining table chairs and also the Physical Education apparatus.
The construction is a combination of traditional materials and prefabrication to avoid excessive maintenance costs. External are formed in load-bearing facing brickwork with steelwork limited to the Assembly Hall. Ceilings and roof are prefabricated insulated units. Heating and hot water supply are from a low pressure system coupled with an electrical system for Summer use when the boiler is not in circulation.
W.W. ATKINSON,
O.B.E., F.R.I.B.A.
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