New Art, Science and Learning Support classrooms to open in September.

Birkenhead Sixth Form College have made a £3.5m investment on facilities in recent years.

In 2011-12:

• The refectory was renovated and rebranded to 8SQ
• A conservatory was added for further social space.
• The Wilfred Owen building was built on the corner of site at Park Road West and Claughton Village

• Classrooms and corridors refurbished throughout existing College buildings.
• Plans made for new Science labs, Art block and relocating Learning Support.

​2013 has brought new challenges and opportunities with our site, as the £3.5 million investment in new buildings and refurbishment moves forward we are officially opening our new Art block, three new Science labs and a new Learning Support zone.

Accessibility and technology across our site has been a priority in recent years, modernising our buildings to achieve our mission.

What students can expect in the near future:

Better Science Buildings

Improvements to our science block will bring science classrooms currently spread out across campus closer together. Three new science labs are being built and there is a whole refurbishment programme around the A block Classrooms (right side of main entrance, on Park Road West side of site).  As part of the works a larger fit for purpose prep room, offices and accessible restroom are also being added in the extension.

Bright and Beautiful New Art Block

An entire new building, detached from the main site is being built for our arts courses. Five large teaching studios, and teacher's/tutorial room will all have huge floor to ceiling windows. Studios on the upper floors will look out to the River Mersey and views of Liverpool's cathedrals.

One of the most exciting aspects of the space is a four story atrium display area for artworks produced by students.

Our new kiln room was fitted out my moving our current kiln into place with a gigantic crane before the roof was fitted. Other facilities include model photography space, light boxes, cutting/printing tables, drying racks, pop up sewing machines, accessible lift and 22.2m portfolio storage rooms.

Learning Support Centre

Our specialist Additional Learning Support department supports a growing number of students each year and work is underway on creating a new Learning Support zone on the E corridor.

The classrooms are being converted into a support room with individual work stations, large tables and sofas, with an adjacent quiet room fitted with comfortable sofas and laptop tables, two staff offices and accessible toilets. 

Other improvements

Along with science, art and learning support facilities we are making the following improvements:

• Walkway to K building via E corridor. Currently the K building is a detached block so this will mean the building can be accessed via the main building.
• All pipework across College was replaced during Autumn/Winter term with the intention to improve heating through replacement radiators in Spring/Summer terms, ready for September 2013.​

People:

There are many people involved in the capital project but one who stands out is the designer of our new buildings. Rachel Clegg is a former student who was with us from 1999-2001, graduating from Oxford Brookes University she is a practicing Architect at Ainsley Gommon Architects. Read more about Rachel's story here.
 

The College continues to seek funding for further improvements in 2013-14.