Building on a positive start
A government minister laid a brick, sanded down wood and learned painting and decorating techniques when he visited the new construction centre at the Dukeries Complex.
Mr Ed Balls, the secretary of state for children, schools and families, opened the £1.6m purpose-built centre on Friday.
He toured the building, took part in the different skills that were being carried out on the day, and spoke to students.
Mr Balls said: “I have been to lots and lots of schools and this is the closest to the vision of the 21st Century schools I have seen so far.
“It is at the cutting edge of the schools we would like to have around the country.”
He said two elements struck him while visiting the centre.
“Firstly, how much of what is inside this building is about the whole community. We have been talking in my department about 21st Century schools as being part of the community, providing excellent facilities for young and old,” he said.
“Secondly, it is about aspirations and opportunities and excellence, not just for some but for all.”
Mr Balls was given a tour of the building by the MP for Sherwood, Mr Paddy Tipping; the head of governors, Mrs Stella Smedley; the head, Mr Danny Smith; and Mrs Joyce Bosnjak, the county councillor for children and young people.
Karl Powell (15) a BTEC bricklaying student, showed Mr Balls how to lay a brick.
Mr Smith said: “I think it is a wonderful resource for our complex and for our community.
“It has only been fully operational for a few months but it has already started raising achievements and improving employment opportunities.”
The centre opened to students in September and has so far taught 28 pupils aged 14 and 15 from Dukeries and three other schools.
Next year there is expected to be around 60 pupils, aged 14-16, from a variety of schools and around 82 16-18 year olds.
Courses include BTECs in construction, bricklaying, carpentry and joinery, painting and decorating and plastering.
Other day courses include design in hand knitting while evening GCSE classes are available.
