Writer to open new learning campus (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Writer to open new learning campus

2:34pm Friday 20th November 2009

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AUTHOR Gervase Phinn is spending the day at the new Saltburn Learning Campus leading writing workshops with the students before officially opening the £15m building.

His arrival as the pupils’ choice for their special day marks the completion of the campus, now home to almost 1,000 young people, from children at Saltburn Primary School to secondary students at Huntcliff School.

The campus is part of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s transformation programme aimed at renewing at least half of the borough’s primary school buildings by 2022- 23.

The 500 Huntcliff students saw their new facilities develop on the same site over 15 months before moving in in September last year.

Headteacher Ruth Mayes said: “We moved out of a 50-year-old school in July 2008 after achieving our best-ever GCSE five A*-C grades and were equally delighted with our 2009 results, the best in Redcar and Cleveland for five A*-C, including English and maths.

“We’ve entered an exciting new era with school buildings fit for the 21st century and are already feeling the benefit of the superb open spaces and access to ICT.”

The 420 primary school pupils crossed the road to start their lessons in the new building, which links the primary school and its 39- place nursery with Huntcliff School and a children’s centre with 40 day care places.

Headteacher Janet Richardson said: “We are all thrilled to be part of a wonderful, new learning environment.

“We’re covering all the ages, from the youngest in the children’s centre, through our own primary years, then on to Huntcliff. It’s a marvellous community facility.”

The campus is also home to Saltburn Youth Club, and hosts a series of adult education classes, with courses including cake decorating for beginners and card-making.

Today’s official opening ceremony starts at 3pm, finishing at 4pm with Mr Phinn unveiling a foundation stone.

The author will speak about his work at an evening performance, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced £14 and available from Huntcliff School. Call 01287-621010 during

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