Alder Grange 6th Form

ag6 opens its doors to Rossendale

2011-02-16T06:04:00.000-08:00

ag6 opened its doors yesterday with a live radio broadcast and a champagne reception.

The new state-of-the-art sixth form centre was officially unveiled to staff, sixth form students and their parents.

Headteacher Iain Hulland, special guest Wayne Bardsley, the Executive Chairman of Bardsley’s, the construction company behind the build, and ag6 student Lauren Tahir cut the ribbon to declare the sixth form open.

Rossendale Radio also broadcast a special ‘ag6’ breakfast show live from the building, which included a number of interviews with Alder Grange staff and students.

The building will cater for up to 300 students, and has been designed to include everything from science laboratories, a media studio and performance space to nursery and creche facilities for child development students, as well as a library and ICT facilities.

Jo Griffiths, Head of ag6, said: “We’ve been so exited about the completion of ag6. It’s about 13 months since we began the build and finally the centre is finished. It looks even better than I imagined.

“Everything about it has been designed with the students in mind. Each classroom even has its own computers and interactive white boards with built in speakers and overhead projector system to enhance and aid every student’s learning.

“It’s so lovely to welcome all the current sixth formers and potential sixth formers in to the new centre and see the looks on their faces. All the students seem in awe of what has been achieved and are very much looking forward to studying at ag6.

“We can’t thank everyone who has been involved in the project enough for all their hard work. It’s this dedication to bringing the vision for ag6 to life that has made this build such a success.”

Lauren, who spoke at the initial planning meeting in support of the sixth form, said: “ag6 looks absolutely amazing! I can’t believe the transformation over the last year.

“We all feel very lucky to have the opportunity to study and learn in such special a environment. I especially love the ‘internet’ café and media studio.”

The school is now enrolling students. For more information email jgriffiths@aldergrange.lancs.sch.uk

5 days in counting…

2011-02-10T08:07:00.000-08:00

Ok, so we’re all running around like headless chickens, well that’s a bit of an exaggeration!

We’re currently laying carpets, painting walls, bringing sofas in, setting up chairs and tables and cleaning.

The school has started to be trained in all the different areas including the kitchen and lifts.

Tarmacking will be complete over the next few days and white lining will commence today.

Everybody who’s coming to the champagne reception on Tuesday for the grand opening has also had his or her invites. But there’s a lot to do before then! All hands on deck!

Check out our new photos

14 days until ag6 opens...

2011-02-04T07:29:00.000-08:00

We are currently completing as much of the decoration as possible this week on the top two floors and continuing with any final fittings on the lower storeys.

We’re also commissioning training sessions with the school over the next couple of weeks.

The cabins have been removed and the road surface is currently in the process of being completed.

Everyone’s working very hard to finish the project in time for the 15th February.

22 days in counting…

2011-01-28T05:50:00.000-08:00

ag6 is almost (yes, almost) ready!

The top two floors are nearly complete and we are just putting the final touches into place.

Downstairs, the science labs are looking very swish and the kitchen is something Jamie Oliver would be proud to cook in!

We are still waiting for the final decoration of the reception, the main stairwell, nursery and lower storey’s.

The building even has its name fixed on the side in the ag6 three colours of blue. And it’s even lit up at night so you can see it from various points around the area. It really does look pretty.

It’s all hands on deck here, we are working every hour god sends over the next three weeks to get the project finished, as we promised.

There’s 22 days to go…

New Year New School

2011-01-13T07:30:00.000-08:00

Well, it’s been a very hectic week catching up on the work we’ve not managed to complete because of the bad weather.

Internally, we are making lots of progress with the final finishes such as painting, and moving furniture into place.

Externally, we’ve moved the cabins so we can finish the outside area there, and we are hoping to work on the remaining tarmacing over the next couple of weeks.

We will be working many late nights over the next couple of weeks to get both the inside and outside finished in time for the official hand over to the school at the end of January.

New ag6 photo on a not so very nice day!

2011-01-07T07:18:00.000-08:00

OH SNOW!

2010-12-22T07:15:00.000-08:00

It’s like a winter wonderland up here at ag6.

We’re progressing with everything we can internally but any work on the ring road is being put on hold until the snow thaws.

Looks like we’re in for a white white Christmas.

All the best Rossendale! See you in the New Year.

One week until Christmas.

2010-12-17T02:27:00.001-08:00

All systems go up at ag6! The main kitchen has been installed and water is in the process of being linked up.

More and more furniture is being brought into the building and put in its place starting with the upper levels first.

Over the next week or so we are also fitting the lavatories and starting to kit out the nursery.

The outer ring road and new roundabout will also be tarmacked.

Our team will be working over the Christmas period to make sure all the work stays on track.

It’s the last school day of the year for the pupils today. We wish them all a very Merry Christmas!

Snow snow go away!

2010-12-10T04:46:00.001-08:00

We’ve been battling through the extreme weather conditions on site, it’s been very cold and we’ve all had to wrap–up and crack on with things.

We are getting on with the plastering, painting and floor finishes as best we can, and hope to progress with as much decoration as possible.

Under-floor heating is all up and running and we’re also trying to get as much furniture into the building.

The final road works are being completed once the school closes for Christmas.

Thankfully, we’re also putting heating into the building today – hurray!

New pictures!

2010-12-03T06:58:00.001-08:00

The view from the library at the top of the ag6 building.

31 days until Christmas!

2010-11-24T08:24:00.000-08:00

We’re moving as quickly as we can this week – so the blog is short and sweet.

The self-cleaning glass is being put up pretty quickly and should be completed by the end of the week, and we’ve completed the second green roof.

The play area has been stoned and is ready for tarmacadam, as is the final section of the road.

We’re also starting to bring in as much furniture as we can into the building.

We’re hoping the temperature doesn’t drop too low this week and next as we need certain temperatures to plaster, point and brick-lay!

Fingers crossed!

Mock-classroom has passed the test!

2010-11-16T08:55:00.000-08:00

The staff have viewed the mock-up classroom and loved it! We're just waiting to show the students next week.

Internally, the decoration is progressing on the upper floor and furniture is slowly being put in its place.

We’re also beginning to kit-out the theatre with electricity and heating. There is already a balcony and special lighting and audio features will be fitted, which will make it the perfect setting for all the performing arts and media students.

The north elevation has also been fitted with the self-cleaning glass, which is coated with a special chemical that reacts with rainwater and displaces any dirt. (Check out the photo below.)

The final section of the outer ring road is nearly completed and we will commence with roundabout once the school closes for the Christmas break.

It’s all hands on deck over the next two months, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed the weather stays fine.

ag6 test classroom

2010-11-08T04:53:00.000-08:00

The new ag6 students are ‘testing’ their new building this week with a mock-up classroom we’ve finished for them.

The mock-up room has everything you would expect of a school classroom, one wall has even been painted a shade of blue that corresponds to the ag6 logo, the tables and chairs are also in place and white board on the wall.

The school asked us to create a ‘test’ room to give us both the time to explore any changes that might be needed before the building is finished. We can’t wait to hear the feedback from the teachers and students.

Inside the rest of the building plastering is continuing and should be completed in the next two weeks.

Outside, the south elevation is almost complete and the north will be finished over the next week or so. We will commence with laying second green roof over the nursery on Wednesday.

It is definitely all go at ag6. We'll post some photos of the new classroom up next week.

Going green

2010-10-22T05:29:00.000-07:00

We’re going all eco-friendly at ag6, where we are currently laying a green roof over the kitchen. It’s an environmentally friendly way of harvesting rainwater by covering a roof area with grass over a waterproofing membrane, which absorbs rainwater and provides insulation. We can then recycle the rainwater and use it to flush the toilets and water the green areas.

The curtain walling system is also nearing completion on the outside of the building ready for the ‘active’ self-cleaning glass to be delivered next week.

Another section of the road has been tarmacked and we’ve handed over the cycle path to the school.

Internally, we’ve started painting the upper floors of the building and the mock-up classroom is being prepared ready for the students return after half term.

The mock-up classroom will feature everything you would expect, carpets, fitted furniture, tables and seats to show the current students, parents and teachers what the finished rooms might look like. It also gives the school a chance to change any of the final touches.

Have a great half-term ag6 students and we look forward to showing you one of your new ag6 classrooms when you get back.

I think it's safe to say ag6 is on its way...

2010-10-15T06:46:00.000-07:00

Check out the latest photo of ag6.

We have power

2010-10-11T05:04:00.001-07:00

It’s only 10 weeks until Christmas so the race is on to get the building ship shape.

We have installed electricity meters in the building and now we have light. Gas and water will also be fitted in the next couple of weeks.

Internally, plastering and painting have started and we expect the floor coverings to be laid shortly. The building really is taking shape.

Externally, the perimeter roads are progressing well and we can begin to commence with the Calder road section this week.

And more good news, we hope to get the ‘mock-up’ room ready in the next couple of weeks to give prospective students and parents a taster of ag6.

Moving swiftly on…

2010-09-28T08:25:00.000-07:00

So things are moving pretty quickly up at the new sixth form building and the roof scaffolding is about to come off.

All external block work of the building has been completed, and most of the windows have been installed – phew!

We have also been progressing quickly with the outer ring road, where a third of it has been laid already and final connections for the drainage system are being installed this week.

Things are also taking shape inside. We’ve been cooking up a storm in the kitchen area and nearly all internal partitions are in position.

The Horticulture students have been using their new area, which we finished a couple of weeks ago, so it’s great to see some of our handy work being used and appreciated.

Check out our latest photo of the building.

AG6 opens its doors

2010-09-17T07:13:00.000-07:00

The new sixth form has opened its doors at Lea Brook in Rawtenstall, until the new ag6 building is complete.

The new sixth formers started off the week doing all sorts of fun things including a murder mystery morning, enrichment fair, site visits, outdoor adventure trip to Hothersall Lodge and student council elections to help them ease into sixth from life.

Jo Griffiths, Head of Sixth Form, said: “We wanted this first week to be about getting to know ag6, setting the tone and the ethos of the sixth form. We want to let our students know that we are a continuation of and complement to the main school, but we are a more grown up version. We’ve asked students to wear smart, professional work clothes.”

“Work on the new building is going well and we are on target to open at the end of the year. As part of their first day students were given a tour of the new building – so they could see how work is progressing. The external building work is nearing completion and the partitions on the inside have been put up so things are really starting to take shape.

“The opening of our sixth form has been a long time coming – it’s quite a momentous occasion.”

No rest for the builders

2010-09-10T08:44:00.000-07:00

After the glorious sunshine last week – we have been moving quickly and the building is really starting to take shape inside and outside.

Good news – the horticultural area is almost complete, just in time for the new sixth form students. It’s a great facility, which we’re sure the students will really appreciate.

Most of the window frames will be installed by the end of next week and the glass plating soon after.

We also hope to start cladding the main envelope roof this week as well as progressing with the external works.

The lower playing field has also been leveled out in the area around St.Paul's Constablee Lee Primary School.

The doors are now open to AG6

2010-09-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

We are celebrating the opening of our sixth form doors for the very first time to students in the area this week.

Named ‘ag6’, the new sixth form, has already confirmed 81 students will be attending, which is temporarily housed in Lea Brook School on Burnley Road.

As you know, the new £8m four-storey building is due to be completed in December and will eventually cater for up to 300 students.

Head teacher Iain Hulland can’t wait to welcome the new sixth formers and says: “ag6 has been designed to provide a holistic environment for our students which combines everything a young adult needs to thrive in the 21st century world.

“Our aim is to enrich our students not only intellectually but also socially, physically, and emotionally. We are offering all academic A level courses and, as part of our Applied Learning

School status, students can also streamline vocational choice with A levels.

“In fact, we will be the only sixth form in Rossendale to offer students a wide ranging combination of high quality traditional A levels and equally high quality Applied Learning qualifications that are valued locally, nationally and globally.

“The new state-of-the-art centre has been designed with this in mind and will include everything from science laboratories, a media studio and performance space to nursery and creche facilities for child development students, as well as ICT and library facilities.

“This is an exciting new chapter in the life of Alder Grange and we look forward to welcoming our new sixth formers this week.”

The new sixth form opens its doors next week

2010-08-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

It’s exciting times for Alder Grange as the new sixth form students are moving into their temporary accommodation at Lea Brook School, on Burnley Road next week.

Meanwhile, back at the new AG6 (that’s our fancy new name for the sixth form) site, things are making good progress.

Now that we’ve had a break in the weather most of the glass has been installed and wind catchers and sun pipes have been laid on the main buildings roof.

Most of the internal partitions are up and first fix electrics have been completed.

The horticultural area is advancing well, with the solar panels on the potting shed being fixed into place and the soil being laid. It should be ready for the new school term to start.

We wish all the new sixth formers a big welcome and return students a welcome back.

Wet Wet Wet!

2010-08-19T07:01:00.000-07:00

No the band haven’t reformed and come to the delights of Rossendale – but it’s the sorry state of the weather.

We’re hoping to complete the ring road area around St.Paul's Constablee Lee Primary School and a section beyond that in the coming weeks.

The bricklayers are also progressing as and when they can – weather permitting and the windows have nearly all be installed with a view to plating the glass this week.

The horticultural area is also taking shape with the potting shed in place and most services to the area fixed. We are currently constructing the fence and installing the footpaths.

Come on sunshine – we know you’re out there somewhere!

2010-08-10T06:32:00.001-07:00

Good news - the ring road is about to commence and we’ve almost got a whole roof on the sixth form now, which has come to as a bit of relief considering the wet weather we’ve been having.

It’s going to be a very busy couple weeks as both the internal partitions and windows are starting to be put in place. The building is definitely beginning to look more and more like a school.

We’re also progressing with the external stonework and we are hoping the main gas and electric services to the site will be fitted over the next week.

Rain rain go away!

2010-07-23T06:22:00.000-07:00

It’s the last week of term for all the students but there’s no rest for the building contractors!

Last week we started work on the external cladding, and this is progressing well. The weather hasn’t picked up much this week, but luckily it hasn’t affected things too much. We’re praying for some sun soon!

We have started to put the internal partitions in place inside the building, so the Sixth Form is really starting to take shape.

Over the school holidays we are expecting to complete the horticultural area and start work on fitting the main services to the site, including gas and electric.

Nursery block work begins

2010-07-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

The ground floor slabs have now all been put in place.

We have started work on the nursery block work and stonework, and next week we will be getting to work on the plant room inside.

External cladding work has also commenced, which is set to take six weeks. We did get slightly delayed but we are looking to make the time back.

The roof work is almost complete, and we will soon be ready to put the windows in place.

The latest on site developments

2010-07-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

On with the floors and walls

2010-06-11T06:53:00.000-07:00

On site, the contractors have been preparing to set the floors for the second phase of the build – which will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.

Things are really taking shape - we have commenced with putting the pre-cast walls on the external parts of the build. We have made great progress and have already completed 50 percent of it – and we’ll be continuing with this over the next couple of weeks.

Elsewhere, work to the roof is also progressing well. Overall, things are coming along really well – have a look at our live webcam and see what’s happening right now. http://88.96.131.206:2500/view/index.shtml

Raise the roof

2010-06-04T07:40:00.000-07:00

Things are going really well and excellent progress has been made. We have made up the two weeks we lost at Christmas as a result of the bad weather.

We have started the roof work on the first section of the building and prepping the ground floor slabs on this section.

The drainage and structure work is continuing on site.

Decking out the site

2010-05-21T06:21:00.000-07:00

IT has been a glorious week and we’ve made great progress on site. We have finished laying the metal decking on the first and second floors, and we’ll soon be putting the next set of staircases in place.

The bricklaying will commence next week, which is set to take approx 10 weeks to complete. The roof materials are also being brought in next week so we will be getting to work on that.

Latest on site developments

2010-05-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

There’s plenty going on at the moment on site and our Sixth Form building is really starting to take shape.

The steel foundations of the building have now been completed and the first of the three main staircases has been put in place.

Over the next few weeks work on the under floor drainage will take place. We have started laying the metal decking on the floors – which will be concreted over when its finished.

We’re preparing for the brick-layers to arrive on site shortly, and we’ll start importing the roof materials next fortnight.

Elsewhere, we have cleared some trees near the school fields to make room for the allotments, which the horticultural students will look after. Work to the school cycle path has also started, which will run alongside of the cemetery and field.

Just look at things now!

2010-05-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

In the past couple of weeks, there has been huge developments on site. The steel foundations have been laid and the staircase has been put in place. Have a look at the pictures and see how things are shaping up....

Taking shape

2010-04-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

You have probably noticed the steel work is progressing very well since we started last week. Our building is already starting to take shape – it’s very exciting!

Next week we will be commencing with the pre-cast staircase. The MUGA pitch should be ready to be handed over very soon once the final layers of sand have been delivered and put in place.

Don’t forget to log onto our live web cam for the latest happenings on site.

http://88.96.131.206:2500/view/index.shtml

Steel yourselves…..big developments have happened!

2010-04-16T06:10:00.000-07:00

James Killelea & Sons delivered the steel work this week, and our contractors have already got to work on erecting it.

Things will really start to take shape now – we’ll soon to able to see the size of our Sixth Form, which is very exciting. This is going to be the main focus on site over the coming weeks. We will be able to bring the metal steel work in for the building’s floors shortly.

As we reported last week, we had to delay laying the astra-turf on the MUGA pitch, but this has now been completed. The MUGA pitch will soon be ready, but the next stage is to sand the surface. Let’s hope the weather stays on our side!

We will be soon getting to work on the internal drainage, but we’ll bring you more on that next week.

Don’t forget to log on to our live webcam to watch the latest events on site.

Things moving along well

2010-04-09T05:44:00.001-07:00

Whilst the school has been enjoying the Easter break, the contractors have been making good progress on site.

The foundations are almost complete, and the steel work programme is set to commence next week. Some of our students paid a visit to James Killelea and Company Ltd last week to watch the steel being made.

Elsewhere, we are still working on our new MUGA pitch. We have been set back a few days though because of the weather, which has meant we had to postpone laying the astra-turf on top of the rubber pad.

Pilers return to site

2010-03-26T07:31:00.000-07:00

This week, Rock and Aluvium, have been back on site for the second phase of the piling work. This should be complete by early next week.

The work on the ground beams is progressing well.

We have made good progress with the MUGA pitch. The tarmac was laid at the end of last week and the fencing around it has been put up this week. The rubber surface will be put in place next week.

We have been busy preparing for the school frames to be delivered in a couple of weeks.

Don't forget - if you want to know what is happening right now you can view our live webcam

http://88.96.131.206:2500/view/index.shtml

site developments

2010-03-22T08:54:00.000-07:00

This is how things are looking at the minute, but for an even more precise update, log on to the live web link and see what is happening right now!

http://88.96.131.206:2500/view/index.shtml

Setting steel works

2010-03-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

This week we have been concreting the ground beams and setting the bolts of the steel frames in place, in preparation for the pillars.

You may remember some of the students had a visit from piling specialists Rock and Alluvium, who are carrying out the piling work for the building. Their next visit is due to take place in a couple of weeks so we have been busy preparing the site for this.

Don’t forget to log onto our live web-cam to see what is happening on site right now.

Things are beaming

2010-03-05T06:13:00.000-08:00

Friday 5^th March

We have been progressing with the construction of the ground beams, which form the foundations of the building. There is a lot of work to be done, which we’ll be busy with over the coming weeks.

You may have noticed the road sweepers around the site, who have been doing their best to keep the grounds outside the school clear during the mud shift. Local residents will have received the latest newsletter from Bardsley’s, keeping them up to date on what is happening.

Over the coming weeks we will be focusing on completing the MUGA pitch (Multi Use Games Area).

If you want to check out the latest developments on site, log on to our live web cam. http://88.96.131.206:2500/view/index.shtml

Big Brother is watching!

2010-03-03T06:04:00.001-08:00

http://88.96.131.206:2500/view/index.shtml

Our live web cam is now up and running so you can watch what is happening on site 24/7!

Rise to the surface

2010-02-26T07:39:00.000-08:00

This week we have completed works to Constablee Primary School’s playground. The contractors have finished creating the footpath by the side of it.

One of the big jobs we faced was to level out the playing field at Constablee School by raising the surface. The school had a visit from OFSTED this week, and Bardsley’s ensured the building work didn’t affect it and that road sweepers were on site.

One of the biggest jobs we have been working on is the piling rig, which forms the foundations of the building. Some of our students were given a presentation by piling specialists Rock and Alluvium who carried out the work with Bardsley’s. It was a great chance for the students to find out more about the work that goes into the construction and see how things are coming along.

Next week, we will be continuing with laying the foundation work, which we are hoping to complete by the middle of next month.

Sod cutting ceremony marks start of construction work

2010-02-19T03:24:00.000-08:00

19 February 2010

We have had a busy few weeks and made some great progress. The construction work has started and we marked it with an official sod-cutting ceremony, which was attended by our Head Boy and Girl, Robert Pratt and Katherine Lucas.

One of the biggest tasks we faced was the sewer diversion works – there was a deep drain running through the school which had to be reconfigured. We were under pressure to do it quickly though before the pilers were delivered to the site for the foundation work to be started. The bad weather also had an impact, but the piling work has now commenced.

As it has been half term this week, we have focused on extending the work to Constablee Primary School’s playground whilst the pupils are off. We have completed it and put a temporary fence up around it. Our next job is to recreate a footpath for access off the field.

An exciting development about to get under way is the erection of the steel frame, which will form the skeleton of the building. This week we had a positive meeting with Rossendale steel firm James Killelea & Co, based in Crawshawbooth. They are producing a 3D model of the steel work for us, which will be displayed on site. We will let you know when it is complete.

We will also continue to keep you updated on the site developments, but if you do have any issues or concerns about the building work, then please contact us on site on 01706 222870. We will deal with your enquiry as soon as possible.

Work gets on the way

2009-12-16T04:46:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-04T09:33:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-11T11:18:00.000-08:00

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.