'We are building something exceptional' - Shrewsbury school brimming with positivity after major milestone
This secondary school in Shrewsbury is "building something exceptional" and recently celebrated a monumental milestone in its history.
Shrewsbury Academy recently opened a £20 million state-of-the-art STEM building that features cutting-edge science laboratories, a modern library, design and technology classrooms, and advanced I-Media and maths suites.
The school benefitted from a large sum of funding from the Department of Education and pupils are now reaping the rewards. It's hoped that these exquisite new facilities can help prepare them for the 'careers of tomorrow'.
Science is a particular focus at the school. With new labs on offer, the school has a message that pupils 'don’t just study science, they experience it'.
Moreover, in the school's new technology building, students are also working in specialist design and technology classrooms, equipped with industry-standard equipment.
From Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software and laser cutters to 3D printers and modern food technology kitchens, these new facilities are allowing students to bring their creative ideas to life.
Shrewsbury Academy's proud headteacher Jim Taylor is over the moon with the new facility.
He said: "Together, we are building something exceptional. Shrewsbury Academy is a school with momentum, purpose, and heart with relentless ambition.
"The school is on a really positive journey and way forward. We are a school of just over 800 students and we are growing so things are going in the right direction in that perspective.
"The school has just received a massive investment from the Department for Education. That money has funded the new STEM block. So we have benefitted from nine new science labs, a new design and technology facility which is just world class.
"We also have a new food room, a library in school for the first time in a few years, and now have a facility for transition which we are calling 'The Shore'.
"This is a £9 million upgrade on the building which will be a unique Year 7 space. The intake of Year 7 students in September will have a unique space for themselves."
The school is proud to rapidly be establishing itself as a beacon of educational excellence, driven by high expectations, a nurturing ethos, and a vision for the future.
The secondary school has a strong focus on aspiration and achievement, but at its heart is a commitment to student wellbeing. Specialist areas such as 'The Shore' have been developed to ensure that students feel safe, seen, and supported from day one.
Pupils enjoy also a vibrant and varied enrichment programme featuring a wide range of trips such as outings to the theatre. Students are encouraged to participate in activities beyond the classroom that broaden their horizons and build confidence.
And sport also plays a central role in life at Shrewsbury Academy with early-morning clubs and training sessions to after-school clubs on offer. and the school is very proud to be excelling in the sporting world.
Mr Taylor continued: "There are lots of successes, be it individually or as a team. We have had one young man who is running for England. Our football teams are renowned for doing well, but always netball and other sports we do fantastic.
"We run clubs before and after school. More than 150 students access these before school each week. Even in the winter months and on a February morning when it is dark, we have full five-a-side games taking place from 7.30am which is just phenomenal.
"Our students tell us wonderful things about the sports department here and the results mirror that. It is a subject the students love."
The school is inviting residents to its open day event on Thursday, September 25 between 4.30pm and 7pm.
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