Pupils inspired by multi–million pound school improvements

Pupils are settling into new classrooms following the completion of the latest phase of a multi-million pound investment into their school.

Pentre’r Graig Primary School, Morriston, is undergoing a £2.7 million upgrade to its existing buildings and an extension to link the two school buildings.

The four-phase programme is jointly funded by Swansea Council and Welsh Government as part of the 21st Century Schools and Education Programme, which improves school environments to enhance learning and pupil outcomes.

The project is being delivered by Swansea Council’s Corporate Property and Building Services who have successfully completed phase two ahead of the original schedule.

Cllr Andrea Lewis is Cabinet member for Next Generation Services of which Corporate Building and Property Services is now part.

She attended Pentrepoeth School, whose buildings are now part of Pentre’r Graig, when she was a child

She said: “I have fond memories of going there including celebrating the school’s centenary. That’s why I warmly welcome this significant investment and how it will transform the school.

“It has been designed throughout with children and how they best learn in mind, making the most of the existing school but bringing right it up to date so pupils reach their full potential.

“Our Corporate Property and Building Services, architect, and Education Project Manager have also worked closely with the school so pupils are engaged in the project and gain learning experiences from it.

“The scheme has also provided an opportunity for Council apprentices to gain valuable experience and skills. A further 40 weeks of practical work-experience have been provided on site for 9 job seekers being supported into work by the Council’s Beyond Bricks and Mortar scheme.”

Headteacher Julie Tucker said: “Governors, staff, and pupils are thrilled to bits with the significant improvements to our school buildings.

“We are beginning to see the results of the excellent workmanship delivered by Corporate Property and Building Services to our 21st Century learning environment.

“We are eagerly anticipating the completion of the Programme at the end of this year.”

The staged Pentre’r Graig project includes refurbishment of existing buildings, changing the layout and use of classrooms, and a small scale extension to create modern and flexible learning spaces to help youngsters attain their full potential.

It also addresses priority areas of backlog maintenance and an aging and failing demountable building has been removed too.

The works at the school are phased and the project will take around 18 months to fully complete.

The cost is being split 50/50 between Swansea Council and the Welsh Government.

Pentre’r Graig Primary School in Morriston was created in September 2011 following the amalgamation of Pentrepoeth Infant School, Pentrepoeth Junior School and Graig Infant School.