St Swithun’s Junior School in Winchester completed the second and final phase of its ambitious build of a new school at the start of the summer term with the opening of its new performing arts space and sports hall.
The new building encompasses two distinct spaces. A performing arts hall with retractable seating and overhead projection will be used for daily assemblies, talks and performances. Adjacent to this is a fully equipped sports hall for use by all year groups.
This building echoes the style of the new main junior school building, which pupils have been enjoying since September 2015. Both buildings are light, bright, modern spaces for both children and staff. The building is flooded with natural light and the huge expanses of glass give views over trees and fields beyond. Internally, the buildings have been designed with light wood finishes, oak floors and white walls, giving a feeling of light and space.
To ease traffic flow on the street outside, the school has also improved its road system by creating a new school drive.
Headmistress, Pim Grimes, said: “We are very lucky to have such excellent facilities so close to the main school building. It is a real pleasure to walk up to school in the morning and see the completed buildings, the apple tree orchard beginning to grow, the magnolia flowering and the new landscaping softening the lines of the school. The children and I felt that Monday morning’s assembly in the new performance hall was a momentous moment, the sun was streaming in through the windows and we felt pleased to be back at school ready for the summer term”.
