It was smiles all round at the new Woodland View School in Waterside, Kirkintilloch, today (Friday, 18 August), as the doors opened for the start of the new term.
It was the very first day of school or early years for some of the younger children and the first day in a new school for those who previously attended Campsie View and Merkland Schools. The children and young people, aged from 2 to 18 years, will now be taught together in this state-of-the-art facility.
The £34.9m building, delivered by contractors McLaughlin & Harvey, is a custom-built development, designed to be both practical and stimulating for pupils who have a broad range of additional support needs.
Council Leader, Gordan Low, went along to the school to meet some of the children and young people as they settled into their new place of learning. He said, “I'm very proud that East Dunbartonshire Council has delivered this landmark project that will make such a difference to the lives of our young people and their families. We’ve worked with pupils, families and staff to create a place of learning and nurture that meets their very specific needs in a safe and welcoming environment. To witness the reaction of the children and young people as they come to school here for the first time, makes all that effort so worthwhile.”
Councillor Low added, “I wish the Headteacher, her teaching and support staff, pupils, families and the whole community of Woodland View, all the very best, for this first term and beyond, in their new school.”
Head Teacher Kay Hunter, said, “In the weeks leading up to the summer holidays the children and young people had familiarisation visits here in their new school, to prepare them for today. But there is still plenty of exploring to be done and there is a lot of excitement as we begin our first term in this fabulous building.”
Woodland View School boasts plenty of open spaces and a sensory trail leading from the ground floor to the first floor. Both indoors and out, the school is a welcoming and comfortable learning environment with modern décor and fittings. There are break out learning spaces, extra wide corridors and lifts and lots of light and space.
Ms Hunter added, “I’m so pleased that it’s a nice day today and our pupils have the opportunity to really appreciate the beautiful, landscaped gardens and courtyard areas outside too. The atmosphere is amazing, and we are delighted to be here and eager to start our first year together as Woodland View School.”
Whilst the school building and playground areas are complete, work continues on the community area which consists of a full-size football pitch and biodiversity planting. It is anticipated these works will be finished in the coming months
Woodland View School is being delivered by the Council in partnership with Scape and main contractor, McLaughlin & Harvey. The architects are Norr.