The new building forms part of a £24.90 million new build and refurbishment project to create an Inclusive Learning Campus (ILC) on the current Woodside High site, which will amalgamate two special schools with the mainstream school.
The project comprises the new build of three teaching blocks, alongside the refurbishment of the three existing building and external landscaping of the campus. The newly completed building was constructed with sustainability firmly in mind and has a biomass boiler, natural ventilation and uses water supplied through rainwater harvesting.
As specialists in working in occupied premises, Apollo carried out the work with students in situ, by planning aprogramme and access designed to cause minimal disruption to the school. Recognising the benefits of this, Joan McVittie, Woodside’s Head Teacher, pointed out that the school’s performance and results had continued to improve throughout the project’s duration.
The final phase of work on the three year project, which completes in Autumn 2011, will see the construction of an art, music and drama block, alongside a special school.
Among those joining Michael Gove and Joan McVittie at the opening and tour of the school were Lynn Featherstone MP and Apollo’s MD of Education, Jeremy Eavis.
He said: “It is very rewarding to have completed this phase of the project at Woodside and to see the students enjoying their new environment. We look forward to continuing our work with the school and with Haringey Council to bring the final phase of this important project to fruition.”
Ms McVittie added: ”The staff and students are delighted by this further addition to our school and would like to thank the council for their support, and Apollo for the delivery of our stunning new teaching block. We know that this will have a significant impact on learning and will support our drive to raise attainment even further.”
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