New school Opened by Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP
“THIS is the best new school I have ever seen.” That was the verdict of Andy Burnham, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, as he opened the new £26 million Failsworth School.
The Leigh MP, whose department is responsible for the 2012 London Olympics, was treated to a games-style opening ceremony featuring sport, dance and music.
He entered to a specially commissioned fanfare played by pupils and commented: “Failsworth’s got talent.”
The building replaces the crumbling upper and lower schools and opened its doors in February.
Built as part of a Private Finance Initiative deal, it is designed to look like a business centre and boasts a glass-topped atrium.
Architect Arup, responsible for the bird’s nest Olympic stadium in Beijing, which will take centre stage at this summer’s games, also worked on the school.
Failsworth is a specialist sports college and sports-mad Mr Burnham admitted it was a world away from the school he attended.
He urged pupils to make full use of its facilities, adding: “It’s the best new school I have ever been in.
“Young people need to be given the highest aspirations. In a building like this they believe they can achieve. We are sending a message to them about how we value them in society.”
Mr Burnham, an Everton fan, has played football for House of Commons teams and even a Hyde United side, and showed off his sporting credentials when he joined in an impromptu game of badminton.
Delighted head teacher David Johnson said: “This building is only a few yards away from the old upper school, but a world away in terms of the facilities and technology
“We are very proud of our new building which is a landmark for education and a very exciting place to learn.”
Pupil Jonathan Skala (14) told guests: “When I first walked into our new state-of-the art building I was stunned. The buzz that we experienced in the very first moment still hasn’t died down.”
Danae Stott (14) added: “We all waited so long for this building and we are so grateful to finally be here and to everyone who made it possible.”
He entered to a specially commissioned fanfare played by pupils and commented: “Failsworth’s got talent.”
The building replaces the crumbling upper and lower schools and opened its doors in February.
Built as part of a Private Finance Initiative deal, it is designed to look like a business centre and boasts a glass-topped atrium.
Architect Arup, responsible for the bird’s nest Olympic stadium in Beijing, which will take centre stage at this summer’s games, also worked on the school.
Failsworth is a specialist sports college and sports-mad Mr Burnham admitted it was a world away from the school he attended.
He urged pupils to make full use of its facilities, adding: “It’s the best new school I have ever been in.
“Young people need to be given the highest aspirations. In a building like this they believe they can achieve. We are sending a message to them about how we value them in society.”
Mr Burnham, an Everton fan, has played football for House of Commons teams and even a Hyde United side, and showed off his sporting credentials when he joined in an impromptu game of badminton.
Delighted head teacher David Johnson said: “This building is only a few yards away from the old upper school, but a world away in terms of the facilities and technology
“We are very proud of our new building which is a landmark for education and a very exciting place to learn.”
Pupil Jonathan Skala (14) told guests: “When I first walked into our new state-of-the art building I was stunned. The buzz that we experienced in the very first moment still hasn’t died down.”
Danae Stott (14) added: “We all waited so long for this building and we are so grateful to finally be here and to everyone who made it possible.”
From the Oldham Evening Chronicle : Tuesday June 17, 2008
by KAREN DOHERTY
Picture CHRIS BULL
Picture CHRIS BULL
More images of the opening ceremony, including music and dance by the students of Failsworth School can be found here.
Updated: 19/06/2008
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