An extension to the Island’s biggest secondary school represents major investment in the future of young people and the economy, says Tim Crookall MHK, Minister for Education and Children.
Minister Crookall will formally open the £3.2 million extension to Ballakermeen High School on Friday (21 November).
The three-storey addition provides badly needed learning, examination and dining space in a school that offers the widest range of post-16 exam subjects and, with nearly 300 students, has the Island’s largest sixth form.
Previously, sixth form accommodation was cramped while exams took over the school’s hall, sports hall, gym and drama spaces, curtailing normal activities.
The dining room, which seated 300, was inadequate for a school of almost 1,500 pupils, led to rushed sittings and encouraged students to go off site, where they consumed less nutritious meals. Encouraging healthy eating is an Isle of Man Government priority.
The extension is a continuation of the investment in education that has seen a new St Ninian’s Lower School built and facilities added to Ramsey Grammar School, Queen Elizabeth II High School and the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education.
Adrienne Burnett, Headteacher of Ballakermeen High School, said:
‘The extension provides a modern, bright and airy environment in which sixth form students can learn in large or small groups, study as individuals and socialise.
‘It has been designed with flexibility in mind, so rooms can be made bigger or sectioned off according to need. Coupled with having twice the previous space for dining, this is a much-needed and very welcome addition to our school.’
The Minister said:
‘Investment in young people is investment in the Isle of Man’s economy as a whole and I am delighted we have been able to work within a restricted site in the heart of Douglas to create facilities that will enhance learning for generations of students.’
