IT HAS state-of-the art teaching spaces, an 11-a-side sports pitch and climate change-busting technology, but the pupils of Newmains and St Brigid’s Primary schools are all agreed on their favourite thing about this new £18m home.
Oliver Carlin, who is in primary one at Newmains, said: “I feel good and happy about going to the new school because I love school and there is a slide in the new school.”
St Brigid’s primary seven pupil Orla Brennan said: “It will be nice to be in a new school because it will be more modern. I am looking forward to the drama box, the chute and all the new things in the playground.”
The indoor chute, which sits in a multi-use area in the heart of the new building, was a feature pupils had asked for during the consultation period. This area includes a large hall for assemblies, sports and other events.
The hub, which also includes Newmains Family Learning Centre for nursery children, is the first facility of its kind in North Lanarkshire, and is home to more than 500 children and staff.
The new campus, on the edge of Wishaw, features bright, welcoming spaces and extensive outdoor play areas. Trees have been planted to create a forest school for nursery and primary pupils.
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Councillor Angela Campbell, convener of education, families and children for North Lanarkshire Council, said: “It was wonderful to see the reaction of pupils as they entered the new building.
“The new community hub in Newmains is a clear example of the vision and ambition we have for communities across North Lanarkshire. It is far more than just a school, it’s a community facility in the truest sense.”
The campus also includes a first-ever dedicated Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) themed classroom, a dedicated breastfeeding area, EV charging for electric vehicles and bike storage to encourage active travel.
Catherine Corr, headteacher at St Brigid’s Primary, said: “This truly is a momentous occasion in the history of our education provision and one that I believe will unite and strengthen our community and have a positive impact for years to come.”
Scott Smith, headteacher of Newmains Primary, said: “There has always been a strong sense of pride in our school and our positive links with the wider Newmains wider community.
“I’m sure that this will grow further as our families and local groups also begin to enjoy the benefits of the site. We can’t wait to get in to learn, grow and have fun together in our new space.”
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Mary McAuley, head of centre at Newmains Family Learning Centre, said: “The opportunities this will afford our children, families, staff and the wider community will be amazing. We are particularly looking forward to making full use of the outdoor garden spaces.”
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