News article

The fifth school to be completed as part of Angus Council's £50m new schools project in Forfar and Carnoustie has been officially opened.

Carlogie Primary School formed a unique part of the project as it was the only element which involved a full refurbishment of an existing building.

From the outset, it was identified that the existing layout of Carlogie was suitable to accommodate the design concepts being developed for the new build primary schools to provide a modern environment with the flexibility to be used by the wider community.

Carlogie Primary School remains a single-storey, two-stream primary school with a capacity of 444 primary pupils with up to 80 pre-school places but has been completely re-modelled internally to provide additional facilities for pupils with additional support needs and those with a hearing loss.

Among the enhancement to the schools are the replacement of all external doors and windows, upgrading of toilets, replacement of all roof coverings and rooflights, full redecoration, improvements to the external appearance of the building, improved entrances to the main school and pre-school, integrated ICT infrastructure including cabling and interactive whiteboards, new furniture and equipment, improvements to car parking and drop off facilities and re-surfacing and re-modelling of the existing playground.

The school was officially opened by Angus Council leader Bob Myles, who said: "I am delighted to see this programme, which is creating schools fit for the 21st Century, nearing completion. This project has produced schools of which the whole community can be proud and which will contribute positively to education of our young people. As this major construction project comes to fruition, the council will continue its commitment to improving the schools estate including a new Seaview Primary, a new Glens school at Peel Farm."

Carlogie head teacher Jim Hammond thanked staff, pupils and parents for their hard work and support during the refurbishment.

"Everyone pulled together to ensure that the disruption to the children's education was minimal and that all the positives of the Carlogie ethos came with us," he commented.

"Out of all of the schools involved in the project, Carlogie's circumstances were probably unique. We have benefited from fantastic new facilities and while holding on to our existing school building, grounds and surrounding community.

"When the children entered the new school for the first time they were met with familiar, comfortable and airy surroundings but were equally impressed with the innovations which accompanied the more familiar elements. Bright paintwork, new windows, ceilings and carpeting throughout have created a bright, attractive and calm environment for the children to learn in.

"Each classroom is fitted to very high standards with new furniture and ample space to work in and has an interactive whiteboard linked to the school server and internet. The open areas promote active learning and support the inclusive and supportive ethos at Carlogie.

"The nursery has benefited from internal remodelling providing a super space for the children to play and learn. There is also an enhanced additional support needs and hearing impaired base ensuring the needs of all of our young people can be met.

"It is safe to say that staff, pupils and parents are delighted with our new school."

Through public private partnership Robertson Capital Projects were appointed by Angus Council to deliver this £50 million redevelopment of the council's education estate. The extensive building project comprises the design, construction, financing and operation of 6 primary schools and a major new extension to Carnoustie High School. All schools are constructed by Robertson Eastern, with Robertson Facilities Management providing a range of management and support services during the 30-year life of the project.

Robertson executive chairman Bill Robertson, said: "It is very pleasing to see the re-furbished Carlogie Primary officially re-open open its doors today, bringing much-needed modern educational facilities to the local community. We have remained focused on achieving aspirational design solutions that fully integrate with the needs of the Council, teachers and local stakeholders to create modern learning environments which contribute positively to the learning outcomes of children.

"Robertson will now continue to support the physical learning environment through the provision of locally based facilities management services during the 30 year partnership with the Council."