Work gets on the way

WORK has started this week with contractor Bardsley Construction making the first moves to prepare the site with the aim of starting the building process in earnest early in the New Year.

The school’s netball courts have been converted into staff car parks and a hoarding will go up around the existing visitors’ car park where the Sixth Form facility will be built.

Alder Grange head of school David Hampson says: “We are delighted to see builders on site this week and the first signs that part of the process is finally under way because the Sixth Form represents one of the most positive developments in the education of Rossendale’s young people for many years.

“The school will offer a specifically developed curriculum, which will meet needs of students — one that is not offered elsewhere in the valley. This will mean fewer students having to travel out of the valley to colleges in Bury, Burnley and Accrington.

The major building work will start on January 4 and is expected to last for 12 months. The school’s first Sixth Form intake will be housed in temporary accommodation until the construction process is complete.

New Logo Under Discussion

This week we have been working with a graphic designer to come up with new ideas for the six form's new logo.

The sixth form working group were given a special presentation. At that time we looked at various brand ideas that the designer has developed.

We have narrowed the nine ideas you see here down to two. The majority of people like 'number 6' and 'number 9'.

Our designer Sharon is now going to develop those two trying to work in some of our suggestions.

Plans given the green light

We have now managed to gain planning approval for the school in November which is a major milestone on the way to opening the doors in the winter of 2010.

And we have one of our own pupils to thanks for helping us achieve it.

Lauren Tahir, spoke on behalf of Alder Grange at the planning meeting. She wrote a three-minute pitch to the councillors underlining the positive benefits the school will have.

After the meeting Lauren said: “I am so happy about this decision. It is great news for the pupils who want to go to Alder Grange Sixth Form. Alder Grange Sixth Form will provide something for young people from Rossendale, who really aren’t catered for by what is on offer BRGS or Haslingden High School. It will therefore stop us having to travel to the likes of Accrington, Burnley, Bolton or Bury for college. I am convinced that, like the school, the Sixth Form will be amazing. Having a new Sixth Form here in Rossendale will means a brighter future for students who want the best out of life.”

Of course, we are delighted. The sixth form represent a significant investment in education facilities to Rossendale for the benefit of the young people in our community. It means we will be able to enhance the life chances of our youngsters.”

Planning permission is not the end of the story. There is a lot of hard work still ahead but at least we have got over this particular obstacle and we can focus on developing the details.