The new Seaview Primary School in Monifieth was officially opened on Tuesday 22 June.

The new state of the art building provides top quality accommodation for pupils, meeting the demands of a 21st Century teaching environment, while incorporating the best in sustainable design

Recognising that the original school was no longer fit for purpose, Angus Council took the decision to build a new school within the existing school grounds, allowing the new building to be constructed while the old school continued to operate.

The new single story building, which incorporates classrooms surrounding a multi purpose activity space to maximise teaching flexibility, can accommodate 444 pupils and an additional 80 pre-school pupils.

The new school building meets best practice in sustainable design with high levels of insulation, energy efficient artificial lighting design and low carbon heat source from a biomass boiler supplemented by solar water heating

-- Advertisement --

All of these measures have been recognised by the new school obtaining the first A-rated Energy Performance Certificate in an Angus Council building, and the Carbon Trust, Low Carbon Building Award 2010.

From the start, pupils were involved in the internal design of the school, including a whole school project to design artwork panels for each classroom undertaken in collaboration with external artists.

Officially opening the school, Angus Council’s vice-convener of Education Margaret Thomson said: “I am delighted that Seaview is now open for pupils and wish everyone associated with the school all the very best in their new building.

“The replacement of Seaview Primary is part of Angus Council’s ongoing programme to improve the county’s school buildings. We will continue to examine ways to provide first class educational facilities throughout the county with ongoing investment to upgrade and replace school buildings bringing benefits to both learners and the wider community.

“We want the children of Angus to have the best possible school facilities in which to learn and develop their skills and we also strive to provide a good environment for our school staff.”

Head teacher Isobel Duff said: “From the start it was clear that the development of our new school was to be a true partnership. The consultation process involved the whole community. Staff and pupils were excited about the proposals and were quick to make suggestions and our architect was keen to listen.

“Since the first day the pupils have settled well into their new environment. It is light and airy with the open plan setting creating a real feeling of community. We have an educational facility which supports teaching and learning in the 21st century.”

(GK)