Campus leaders and head teachers at the new community campuses in Perth and Kinross have been looking back at the high points and key events since they opened their doors over the past year.
Reflecting on the £136 million Investment in Learning programme, council leader Ian Miller said, “The new community campuses are the biggest financial investment this council has ever made.
“They were designed to improve facilities for our children, young people and communities and it is clear from what we hear from both campus leaders and head teachers and the comments of campus users of all ages that the facilities are drawing people in with many exciting events and opportunities.”
Lifelong learning convener Liz Grant added, “I am delighted that the campuses have been so well received by our pupils, staff and residents.
“Our aim has been to make them a focal point for their local area and evidently this is happening at all the campuses.
“Providing enhanced learning and teaching environments was one of the main aims for this huge project and it is exciting to know the new, high-quality facilities are beginning to make a difference for teachers and youngsters alike.”
Dick Keatings, campus leader at Loch Leven Community Campus in Kinross, said it had been a “thrilling” 12 months since the opening.
“Many impressive school and community events have been held under our roof, from our official opening by the First Minister Alex Salmond to theatre and dance shows, piping competitions, art classes and film screenings,” he said.
“We’ve also had a lot of positive feedback from campus users in a recent survey, showing they enjoy using the facilities on offer and we’ll be building on that to develop and improve the services we offer still further.”
Liz Douglas, head teacher at St Stephen’s RC Primary School, Blairgowrie Community Campus, highlighted an equally diverse first year.
“There have been lots of exciting moments for the school community since we opened in August 2009 — our first Mass with Monsignor Henry, our first nativity play on campus, Baboushka, the first school sports day using the fantastic facilities, the opening by John Swinney in February and our St Andrew’s Day celebrations,” she said.
“St Stephen’s and Newhill Primary School have been working closely together and this partnership approach to the campus will be continuing.”
Strathearn Community Campus leader Christine Ross also felt it had been a very special year.
“From the Wild Rovers event in December 2009, to the Skye Walk project in June 2010, this has been a year of firsts for us,” she said.
“The campus has also recently been assessed as delivering a much improved learning and teaching environment, including exam experience, so we are all focused on maintaining that upward trend.”