Student returns to design state-of-the-art Science, Arts and Learning Support facilities

Pictured left to right: Kathryn Podmore (Principal), Rachel Clegg and Steve Geary

Building work is almost complete on our state-of-the-art Science, Arts and Learning Support facilities, thanks to the help of a former student. Oxford Brookes University graduate Rachel Clegg, from Birkenhead, is now a qualified architect and has managed the project for Ainsley Gommon from design concept through to site work. She attended the College from 1999 to 2001.

29-year-old Rachel – who achieved A-levels in Science, Maths and Art – said she was delighted to be back at the College and working on such a prestigious project.

Birkenhead Sixth Form College played a key part in my education and development into a career in architecture, so it’s great to be back and working on these facilities, which will give other students an even greater stepping stone to further education or employment.

The College has a strong ethos of supporting students to fulfil their ambitions – my teachers actually helped me to secure work experience at Ainsley Gommon while I was studying. I was always keen on architecture and gained the A-level results I needed to attend Oxford Brookes, which has one of the best Architecture Departments in the UK. I worked closely with Steve Geary, one of the directors at Ainsley Gommon Architects, on the design work and we are very proud of the developments.

Steve said: When the first project was awarded to us, I asked Rachel if she would like be Project Architect, not only for her excellent design skills, but also to show the college how one of their ex-students has succeeded in her chosen career, and to allow Rachel to give something back for their commitment to her. The College is an excellent place to study and the students have access to some of the best facilities in the region.

Principal Kathryn Podmore said: “The new buildings are due for completion in March and will give existing and prospective students even better learning facilities across our Science and Arts Departments.

“It has been a pleasure to welcome Rachel back and we are delighted that another of our students has progressed into such a prestigious profession. The work undertaken by Rachel and Ainsley Gommon Architects has been excellent and we look forward to opening the facilities to our students.”

The new buildings will include:

• Three Science labs and preparation room.
• Five Art classrooms together with enhanced portfolio storage and general storage rooms for art materials. New art specific furniture and better work space for teachers.
• A new Learner Support base to support student growth in this area. Facilities will include a large general purpose room, a quiet room and disabled toilet and shower room.
• Two staff offices to support student engagement.

Mrs Podmore added: “As a Centre of Academic Excellence we take pride in giving our students the confidence, aspirations and skills to succeed in their chosen career. We also believe that as the only specialist Sixth Form College in the borough, our provision and facilities for A-level students is second to none.”

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Read all about this story in the press:

'Merseyside architect makes triumphant return by designing new £3.5m base at old stomping ground Birkenhead Sixth Form College' wirralnews.co.uk 

'Former Birkenhead Sixth Form College student designs new education block'
wirralglobe.co.uk

Liverpool Echo - 4 March 2013: