Cressex School on the move - End of an Era.

On Friday July 16, students at the Cressex school said goodbye to their old school for the last time. When they go back to school after their summer holiday, they will be returning to their brand new building. Built at a cost of £31 million and paid for by the last government's Building Schools for the Future programme, the new building will bring new opportunities, not only for students, but for everyone who lives nearby. Soon the old building will be knocked down to make way for lawns and a new car park.

With its large classrooms, curriculum gardens, great sports facilities and exciting information technology, Cressex school will be an inspiring place to learn. Its performance spaces will encourage the arts and music - students have worked on wall hangings that will take pride of place in the glass-roofed atrium. David Hood, the Cressex Head Teacher, said ‘We wanted our building to be able to change over the years, to reflect changing ideas about teaching and learning; we are sure that the new building will serve our community well for many years to come’.

Last November, students, staff and governors all gathered for the ' topping out' ceremony and a time capsule was buried, showing what life was like in 2009 at the school. Since then, students and teachers have made regular visits to the site. When the school was designed, everyone wanted flexible space and the ' wow' factor – and that’s what they have got. A Year 8 student, visiting the building for the first time, was totally amazed when he went into the new sports hall. 'Miss', he said, looking awe-struck, 'Is this really going to be ours?'

 

A week before the end of term, the school had a special celebration to mark the end of the old school and the start of life in the new building. Hundreds of students, parents, staff and former pupils enjoyed an afternoon of sunshine and entertainment. At the end of the afternoon, everyone was thrilled when 4 members of the Pakistani Cricket Team, in England for the summer, arrived to sign autographs and have their photographs taken with students. David Hood said, ‘This was a great way to mark the end of our time in this building. It was an afternoon to remember’.

This was just one of several celebrations held recently at Cressex. In June, everyone gathered in the new school to mark the launch of the Cressex Co-operative Learning Trust. The Trust brings together Wycombe Abbey School, Bucks New University, Dr. Challoners Grammar School, Bucks Local Authority and the Co-operative College. These new Friends of Cressex will support the school and give new opportunities to students.

It’s an exciting time at Cressex  - everyone is looking forward to the new school year and the opportunities it will bring.  

 

www.cressex.bucks.sch.uk

 

 

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