The latest phase of a multimillion pound extension of Dunbar Grammar School is to continue, with an expansion of the pupil social space.

Phase two comprises a new two-storey L-shaped block to the east side of the school which will include additional classrooms and staff bases, a new Home Economics department, a new library and learning centre with a dedicated IT space, additional PE changing rooms, and new suited accommodation for Pupil and Learning Support.

At the heart of the new accommodation will be a large covered 'social hub' – a flexible multi-use space that can be used for a variety of purposes including group and individual teaching, presentations, eating and other social uses. Alterations are also being made to the existing school building to maximise the use of existing spaces and will provide additional science labs, technology rooms, a new drama studio and more craft, design and technology spaces. There will also be a new full-sized, all-weather sports pitch in the school grounds.

Paul Raffaelli, Head Teacher at Dunbar Grammar School, said: "This is a really exciting project and our staff and students have enjoyed seeing the progress made on site on a daily basis. Our student council and staff enjoyed being involved in the design phase, together with the architects and builders, and we can't wait to see the finished building. We have been keeping the school community up to date with a weekly email newsletter, together with photos taken by one of our Photography students, which can also be viewed on our website."


Alan Joyce, FES Support Services Project Development Manager said: "The project is progressing well and as things stand, we are on schedule for completion in line with the agreed programme. Our site team are working well in collaboration with the ELC project team and Dunbar Grammar management team in coordinating, communicating and scheduling construction activities to ensure there is minimal impact on day to day curricular activities whilst also placing primary focus on delivering the works safely within a challenging live environment. We look forward to working together through the remainder of the programme in delivering this significant enhancement to Dunbar Grammar School."

Shamin Akhtar, Cabinet Spokesperson for Education and Children's Services, said: "It is great news that work is progressing well and continues to do so. Phased completion arrangements are being developed to ensure there is sufficient classroom accommodation for pupils who will be returning after the summer whilst other works continue, which are expected to be completed in October of this year.

"The school's new extension and its facilities will bring considerable benefits to the school and its students, and will enrich the education experience of all the young people in Dunbar and the wider catchment area. I am looking forward to seeing its completion later this year."

East Lothian Council has procured the expansion works via the existing PPP Project contract with Innovate East Lothian Limited at a total cost of £10.38m, and forms part of a wider council investment of almost £100 million in new or expanded schools over three years. The project is expected to be complete by the end of October 2018.

(MH)