An opening ceremony has taken place for Prestwick North Education Campus.
Although the campus opened its doors to pupils back in August, this was an opportunity for parents, carers, local clergy, Councillors, and other politicians to look round the facility which brings together Glenburn Primary School, St Ninian’s Primary School, and a new early years centre.
Before guests were shown round the campus, the schools pulled out all the stops with a musical extravaganza featuring choirs and the Prestwick North Campus P6 Samba Band!
When the tours got underway, visitors had the opportunity to see the impressive learning spaces, games hall and the central atrium. They also viewed the new Prestwick North Early Years Centre.
The campus is very proud of its green credentials with guests hearing that everything is run purely on electric power, aided by energy-efficient air source heat pumps and solar panels on the roof.
The outdoor play areas are just as impressive, with an amphitheatre, underground play tunnels, a dedicated garden, active play equipment and an all-weather sports pitch.
Councillor Stephen Ferry, Education Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: “This fantastic campus is set to transform learning in Prestwick and beyond.
“Each school continues to have their own identity but benefits from modern, engaging, and inclusive teaching spaces. The central atrium connects the two schools, providing a unique setting where the children can learn, socialise, and dine together.
“The campus benefits from the latest renewable energy technologies. Modern construction techniques and materials have ensured the building is highly insulated, with energy consumption reduced by 61% compared to the old Glenburn and St Ninian’s Primary School buildings.
“We continue to ensure that our children and young people have every opportunity for the best start in life. Over the next decade, we will invest more than one hundred and ten million pounds in our schools and education facilities.
“I would like to thank hub South West Scotland, Morgan Sindall Construction, and BDP Architects for all their efforts. The campus has been short-listed for a Scottish Design Award which would be the culmination of all their hard work.”
Gaynor Hartley, Head Teacher of Glenburn Primary, Jacqueline McPeake, Head Teacher of St Ninian’s and Susan Cole, Manager of Prestwick North Early Years Centre commented: “We are truly lucky to have this amazing facility and our pupils tell you how much they love their new campus.
“We have retained our school traditions and values, but there are numerous opportunities for us to work and learn together.
“BDP Architects and Morgan Sindall listened attentively to our views and the opinions of parents and pupils, and we were extremely grateful for this level of consultation.
“We feel privileged to have this fantastic learning environment which will allow all our children to reach their full potential.”
Michael Ross, Chief Executive of public sector development partner hub South West Scotland said: “It is fantastic to see the campus has been so well received by both schools, early years centre and the local community. The highly experienced team worked exceptionally well together to achieve the highest design and quality standards.
“South Ayrshire Council’s vision in delivering this campus embracing sustainable measures demonstrates the commitment being made in delivering first class educational facilities that will be enjoyed for generations to come.”
A pupil at Glenburn said: “It is so nice to have two schools together and we can make new friends. We love our new, bigger playground, there is so much space to run around and play different games.”
A pupil at St. Ninians commented: “I love the colours in the new school, and it is a great learning environment because of all the breakout spaces and windows. We get a lot of opportunities to learn in different ways and in different areas and we have made lots of new friends.”
A spokesperson for Glenburn Parent Council commented: “I’m delighted to see our new campus completed to such a high standard, even better than I could have imagined from the initial design sketches. Our children are so lucky to have such an amazing place to call their school.”
A spokesperson for St. Ninians Parent Council added: “As parents, we are delighted that our children are being educated in a stimulating and supportive learning environment and feel fortunate that the staff made the transition to the new learning space so smooth, productive and exciting for all.”
