Schools get creative for new unifrom ideas

Pupils from primary and secondary schools across Rochdale are putting their creativity to the test by designing uniforms and names for a new foundation school that will open in 2010.

The new school is being developed by amalgamating Balderstone Technology College and Springhill High School, and on Friday representatives from both schools worked together in teams putting their designs forward, at Zen Internet, Moss Bridge Road.

To ensure future students of the new school have their say and are included, a series of events are also being held with six primary schools in the area.

Prior to the events, design briefs were given to all the schools where they worked in their own tutor groups to research and develop ideas considering factors including the area’s history, famous people from the borough and street names. Representatives from tutor groups then attended the consultation events where the best proposals were put forward.

Deputy Headteachers from both schools said it was a good way to get the students working together and involving them in the development of the new school.

Laurie Clemons, Deputy Headteacher at Balderstone said: “It’s exciting to have the students uniting together whilst also getting the views of future pupils.”

Deputy Headteacher at Springhill High, Steve Parratt, said it was the start of things to come: “Friday’s event was really successful and to see the two schools working together was wonderful.”

Sue Brown, Head of Schools for Rochdale Borough Council, said: “I’m delighted that Balderstone and Springhill have come together to put on an event like this and that they are involving pupils from the primary schools in the shaping of the new school. It will be exciting to see the design proposals put forward.”

Future joint ventures between the two schools will include collaborative science work, problem solving, team building exercises and joint sports events.