Last week Stephen Metcalfe,
MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, visited the new building for Woodlands
School and met with the Executive Headteacher, Mrs Karen Kerridge.
Students are due to move in
to the new site on 10th February and the local MP hopes that the
move will signal a new start for the school. Mrs Kerridge, will oversee
the transition to the new site and is committed to driving up standards at the
school which was put into special measures last year.
Mr Metcalfe discussed an
action plan with the Executive Head and also spoke to students to get their
perspective and to find out about their hopes for the future.
He commented: “I was
extremely impressed by the pupils and their desire to succeed. Both students
and staff are pressing forward and I am confident that under this new
leadership we see improvements in the near future. The new building can only
help this process.”
As it currently stands,
Woodlands is divided into a cluster of buildings leaving staff and students
with lengthy and time consuming walks between lessons. The new building will
unite the school, alleviating this problem whilst also providing staff and
students with an impressive array of facilities including fantastic science
labs, a spectacular gym, and new creative arts facilities that can house the
1500 pupils.
Mr Metcalfe commented: “This
£25 million investment is brilliant news for Woodlands. I was extremely
impressed by the new site and I very much look forward to visiting it again
when it if full of students. The importance of a positive learning environment
cannot be underestimated and I hope that Woodlands pupils and staff will be
enthused and excited by their new facilities and all that they offer.”
“Woodlands is going through a
difficult time but I am confident that it can emerge as a stronger and better
school with the new facility signalling a fresh start.”
