Wednesday 8^th November 2017 saw the long anticipated opening of Meadowhead School’s new Sixth Form Building. The new centre features eleven new classrooms fitted out with the latest technology, a Common Room, and a new Café. The building’s design is inspired by the approach of local universities and throughout the process, the architects regularly sought the input of students and teachers to ensure the building has the most positive possible impact on learning.

Head of Sixth Form Sarah Burdekin welcomes students at the new entrance to the Sixth Form Centre

Headteacher Steve Fowler chats to students in the social area

The building’s completion marks the latest phase in the development of a school based Sixth Form in the Meadowhead area. Steve Fowler, the school’s headteacher, explained that it was a proud moment for the whole community:

“For many years, students were forced to travel across the city to attend a school Sixth Form.  With the support of the community we have pursued the ambition to give students the opportunity to study locally. Since beginning our A Level teaching in 2010, we have built a reputation for expert teaching, excellent results and outstanding pastoral care. This has led to a great record of progression to university and employment including successful Oxbridge and medicine applicants.

This new building will benefit all students, allowing us the opportunity to develop our provision even further and to increase the amount of study space available to our students. It will be a development to be enjoyed by generations of future students.”

Student President Emma enjoys the new Common room

Emma Bradley, the Sixth Form’s elected student president, explained the impact that the new building has had on students who have already been using it:

“The new building is a great place to be – it feels like a university or a place of work. I feel like an adult and there is more space to study and also sit with friends during breaks.”

Emma, who studies A levels in English Language, Sociology and Geography and is hoping to study social work at university, also explained:

“We have been looking forward to this for a long time and we are really enjoying the building now it has opened”.

An official opening is planned for the summer of 2018.

Mr Fowler with students in the common room

Notes

• Meadowhead School Sixth Form is part of Meadowhead School Academy Trust. The school began a partnership with the Sheffield College to offer A Levels from 2010 and was granted independent 11-18 status by the Department for Education in 2013.
• Meadowhead School Sixth Form currently has 230 students enrolled. These students are studying twenty-eight different A Level and equivalent courses.
• The Sixth Form Building is an extension to the school’s existing building which opened in 2007.
• Parents and members of the local community can enquire about visits to the new Sixth Form Building by contacting School reception: 0114 2372723.

  

Open study space (left) and classroom (right)

The new Sixth Form Café