‘Refurbishment works will enhance learning environment by providing larger classrooms’

Welcoming Education Minister, John O’Dowd, to the school and the start of the construction work, on Thursday, May 21, Mr Scholes said: “The refurbishment works will enhance the learning environment for the school by providing larger classrooms in which to deliver the curriculum to the existing pupils and future generations.”

The project involves the restructuring of the existing school building, the extension of the multi-purpose hall and other refurbishment work.

Speaking at the school, the Minister said: “This is an exciting time for pupils and staff at Newbuildings Primary School.

“The new facilities will enhance the learning environment and ensure that the school is well equipped to deliver the curriculum well into the future.

“Projects like this one have been made possible through the School Enhancement Programme, which not only benefits the classroom, but provides a boost to the local construction industry.”

In conclusion, the Minister said: “Improving the schools’ estate remains a key priority for me and I will seek additional funds to ensure that this important area of work continues to get the attention it deserves.”

Newbuildings Primary School is a Controlled Primary School with an enrolment of 158 pupils.

The works contract has been awarded to Lowry Construction Limited.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education says its ‘Education Works’ campaign promotes the value of education.

This year’s campaign aims to ensure that parents have information on schooling and that they are aware of the steps they can take to ‘Get Involved’ and support their teenager in achieving good outcomes at school.

The campaign highlights the vital role families can play in helping children do well at school and improve their life chances.

Back in December the Sentinel originally revealed plans for the extension.

The Western Education and Library Board (WELB) then applied for permission to extend Newbuildings Primary School.

The application was submitted to the planning service to ask for permission for “alterations, refurbishment and extension of the existing primary school.”

This work - involving the “construction of single storey ancillary accommodation to side and rear, re-roofing existing flat roofs and replacement of existing windows systems” - is now underway.