King Edward VI High School for Girls (KEHS) has revealed plans to build a new Design Centre which will support the teaching of DT, computing and art in the new year.
The school has seen a growing number of pupils interested in design, maths and IT-related subjects. KEHS has plans to deliver GCSE DT and computing from September 2022, with work on the Design Centre scheduled to last until summer next year.
Principal Kirsty von Malaisé said: “Developing design skills and computing skills, including critical thinking and purposeful creativity, are vital components of innovation and complex problem solving.
“Girls’ schools have a particular role to play in supporting young people to develop such skills, ensuring equal access to a wide range of career opportunities: the new Design Centre will be an exciting addition to our site.”
Girls’ schools have a particular role to play in supporting young people to develop such skills, ensuring equal access to a wide range of career opportunities – Kirsty von Malaisé, King Edward VI High School for Girls
Construction of the project has already begun, and will cost the Birmingham school £3m. The new facility will be joined to the existing Peter Bennett Centre, which will hold a new exhibition space and art library.
The project will be designed by architects Pinnegar Hayward Design and contracted by Interclass.
Oliver Homan, associate at Pinnegar Hayward Design, said: “Nestled within a conservation area and sitting alongside the historic estate of the KEHS buildings, this project aims to strike a delicate balance bringing in a contemporary design whilst still largely using complementary materials.
“All the while remaining fully inclusive, pursuing environmentally friendly technologies and creating an exciting space within to inspire the learners.”
You might also like: KEHS sixth formers’ lockdown research published in health journal
