Capita Architecture’s Cambridge Studio has been helping
to provide The Grove Primary School in Cambridge with a free
makeover.
The project is part of the British Council for School
Environments’ (BCSE) ‘Big School Makeover’ which will see pupils,
parents, staff, contractors and architects working on five schools
across the country.
The children will enjoy and gain so much from working with a national group of experts to create a new frontage to our school
The projects – part of a year-round education programme - aim to
encourage teachers, parents and young people to get involved in
refreshing or refurbishing a classroom, dining room or even an
outdoor space. The programme’s slogan - Small Change to Big
Difference - illustrates that with a little imagination and effort
any area of the school can be turned into a pleasant and
stimulating place of learning, whatever the budget.
Ed Burton and Margherita Cesca have been working on The Grove
project. Margherita said: “I loved the idea straight away. I really
wanted to give the façade a new identity where the pupils, teachers
and staff can feel part of an exciting new project which will give
The Grove a new character and a brighter future. Thanks go to Les
Carter from Wilmott Dixon who has been a great support because of
his knowledge and expertise and Sophie Liang, Mallika Bhattacharya
and Caroline Scott from the Cambridge studio who have supported me
throughout the design process.”
BCSE Chief Executive Ty Goddard said: “We are in the middle of
the biggest investment in school buildings since Victorian times.
Every child in the country deserves the best possible school
building – whether it’s through a refresh of colour, a major
refurbishment or a new build. We want to see young people and
teachers up and down the country involved in designing and taking
action in their schools.”
Headteacher Val Palmer said: “It was amazing news to be part of
the Big School Makeover. The children will enjoy and gain so much
from working with a national group of experts to create a new
frontage to our school. The entrance will be transformed and become
a bright and welcoming environment for all who use the school.”