A sixth-form college in Winchester has marked the official opening of its new building with the former principal it is named after returning to cut the ribbon.
More than 80 guests attended the official opening of the Carville teaching facility at Peter Symonds College on Friday, April 21.
Former principal Stephen Carville performed the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Stephen, who was principal from 2013 to 2018 and for whom this was his first formal return to the College, said: “It is an absolute privilege to be invited back today for the formal opening of the Carville building. Peter Symonds College has and always will have, a very special place in my heart.
Sara Russell, principal of Peter Symonds College, added: “Stephen was principal for five years, but his contribution to the senior team and College stretches back to 2002, when he joined us after a few years working for Ofsted as an HMI. During his time, the College flourished, and his contribution to ensuring that quality remained at the heart of the College was immense. He brought rigour to policy and practice, wise counsel to his colleagues and was well respected by his peers in the wider educational community.”
Guests at the event were given the opportunity to look around the new facility and speak with staff and students. Comprising 12 classrooms equipped with IT technology for teaching and learning, the Carville building will house the business, economics and criminology classes.
An energy-efficient heat recovery hybrid system and a solar PV panel system have also been installed to offset the building’s electricity use.
The building is a result of a successful bid for funding from the Department of Education and represents an investment into providing a sustainable, enhanced and contemporary experience for students and staff alike.
Sara added: “This building is a fantastic addition. It is wonderful to be able to share this day with so many people, including all those that worked so hard on the project. We were delighted that the Department for Education awarded funding for this significant investment into providing a sustainable, modern and enhanced experience for our students and staff.”
Pictured; Steve Brine MP with Stephen Carville and Stephen Carville with Principal Sara Russell.
