Article Seven

New canteen at HGS

LAST week saw students returning to school. As well as new faces students at Harrogate Grammar School saw a new building too. The new building named ‘The Hub’ is the newest addition to the ongoing work at the school. It is an extension of the current school canteen and provides ‘A much greater capacity for pupil’s lunches’.
The building work commenced at the end of May and was completed just days before the school reopened, costing a staggering £250,000. Steve Howell, the schools Business Manager said “Most of the money for the dining facilities came form North Yorkshire County Council following our bid. As such we could not have spent this money on other things. It was ‘special’ money for a special purpose.” The Hub has led to more seats and a reduced queuing time for pupils. The acoustics of the building are better as well as it being light and airy. The décor is modern and not cramped allowing it to be easily accessible.
The school is also investing £360,000 on becoming a specialist training school as well as spending £2m on 8 new classrooms, an extension of the sixth form block and a purpose built learning theatre. Building work will commence in October and will be completed in time for the autumn term 2010. Mr Howell said “Better facilities will improve students learning opportunities and make the school a more attractive place for students and staff.” The money for the new extensions is this time from the Government via the Learning and Skills Council in order for the school to create some facilities that they do not currently have.
The school is already over subscribed and is one of the top 20 schools in the UK. When these facilities become available it will more than likely become a first place choice for many parents of local primary school pupils as their children are sure to achieve excellent results with the help and support offered by the school.
Tiffany Jackson