Students, parents and teachers got their first look inside the new £25million Lowestoft Sixth Form College on Saturday (18-6-11).
Wearing hard hats and safety specs, groups were taken on a tour of the building in which six work areas known as pods appear to float above the main atrium. One parent described the architecture as “absolutely amazing.”
More than 400 students have so far accepted places for year 12 – once known as the lower sixth – with other students transferring to year 13 – formerly the upper sixth - from the current sixth form when the college opens in early September.
With 8,027 square metres of learning space alone, the college will eventually accommodate more than 1,000 students.
Principal Yolanda Botham said, “I’m pleased so many people were able to join us on these tours to see the terrific facilities taking shape. Construction was held up because of the bad weather in December but the long, dry spring enabled the contractors, Morgan Sindall, to catch up and we’re now right on target again.
“We’ve appointed all our new teachers, some of whom are moving from as far afield as Gloucester, Sheffield and Bexhill, and a number of others will transfer from the three Lowestoft high schools. Everything is coming together well and there’s a great deal of excitement now that we’re so close to opening.”
The excitement was shared by many of those on the open day tours.
“It’s a really modern building and I love the pods,” said Holly, 19, from Great Yarmouth, who is transferring from City College Norwich to study A Levels in English, media studies and politics. “It’s not just the building. The teachers seem very down to earth and you feel like they’re people you can get on with. They’re very enthusiastic, which is brilliant.”
Holly’s mother Suzan said, “It’s an incredible state-of-the building. It’s so good to see this kind of investment in education in our area.
Cameron Sparkhall, 16, from Halesworth, described the building as “interesting and inviting.” He said the tour had helped him make up his mind about where to continue his education and that he was now looking forward to starting at Lowestoft in September, studying politics, history, biology and sociology A Levels.
He was accompanied on the tour by his mother Jane, who said, “I’m so impressed. It’s absolutely amazing. It’s going to be a bit of a journey every day, travelling from Halesworth, but I think it’s worth it. The facilities are fantastic.”
Sociology teacher Donna Dodson, who is currently at Benjamin Britten High School, said the new college had a lovely atmosphere. “Those pods are really interesting and the facilities generally are brilliant, with lots of investment in ICT. It has the feel of a university.”
Phil Spencer, who has taught at Kirkley High School for 23 years, said, “The facilities here are truly aspirational and will give students in our high schools something fantastic to aim for.
“It’s all about excellence and I think everyone will want to come here. It’s a 21st century concept for 21st century students. I’m really looking forward to starting. It’s going to be an amazing place to work.”
Students or parents requiring information about the college or wishing to apply should call 01502 537000, email info@l6fc.org or visit the website www.l6fc.org.
