Fresh from Sunday’s 3-3 draw at Exeter, Stevenage manager Teddy Sheringham this morning opened Roebuck Primary School’s new extension which will provide more space and facilities for local children.
Excited pupils, parents and staff watched Teddy cut the ribbon at the celebration event at the school on St Margarets, close to The Lamex Stadium, in front of local and national media.
After answering questions from pupils, Teddy opened the new extension before signing autographs for many of the youngsters and then speaking to both BBC Look East and ITV News.
As part of Hertfordshire County Council’s plans to expand schools to cope with the increasing demand for school places across the county, Roebuck Primary have seen the construction of a new building housing eight classrooms to increase the number of pupils from 240 to 450 over the next six years.
Hands up if you've got a question for Teddy...
Teddy gives his answers
Head teacher Richard Fordham said: “We are very excited about the new build. It will provide great opportunities for the children, and to be expanding in size is fantastic for the community. We are delighted that the new build's design is in keeping with the current building - recently built through the 'Building Schools for the Future' project."
Speaking about the new building, Richard said, "It is a unique design based around a futuristic look. The design itself and materials used were unique, giving the school an individual shape and a wooden interior. There is no other school in the country that looks like how Roebuck looks. The build consists of canopied learning areas outside each classroom and has the latest technology throughout. The learning space is accessible, bright and spacious. It's curved shape is one-of-a-kind and the school is inclusive of the community, providing purpose built facilities for a pre-school holding up to 60 places; a before and after school club that is shared with St Margaret Clitherow School, Broadwater Children’s Centre and family learning activities."
Teddy signs autographs for pupils
Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Education and Skills David Williams, said: “Hertfordshire County Council is committed to ensuring that young people get a good start in life at one of our many excellent schools.
“These classrooms will create the additional space needed to create a positive learning environment, one where young people can get the education they deserve.
“Our primary school expansions programme continues to ensure that we meet the growing demand for places for children starting school.”
More information on how the county council plans to meet the rising demand for school places is available at www.hertsdirect.org/schoolplaces.
Roebuck Primary School is one of approximately 35 schools in and around Stevenage who are signed up to one of four different Partner Packages available with Stevenage FC Foundation, with Roebuck committed to a Platinum Package. The Foundation is committed to engaging with as many schools as possible and these partnerships allow each school access to some fantastic opportunities depending on the level of commitment shown, including motivational and educational sessions, season tickets, player visits, exclusive invites and more. Extra-curricular clubs are also extremely popular with Foundation coaches working in approximately 20 schools across the area.
For more information about Partner Packages with Stevenage FC Foundation or extra-curricular clubs, please call 01438 222222 or email community@stevenagefc.com.
Stevenage's next home game is this Saturday 17th October against Wycombe Wanderers. 'In advance' prices for this Category A game range from £3-£16 on the terraces and £6-£20 in the West Stand seats and you can buy tickets online at www.borotickets.co.uk.