Pupils celebrate the official opening of Dargavel Primary School

Children at Dargavel Primary School celebrated their school opening at an official ceremony earlier today (Friday 4 March).

The event, which celebrates the school opening its doors to pupils earlier this year (January 2022), saw pupils in P3 signing a song in front of invited guests. There were also special performances by the school’s dance group and choir.

Dargavel Primary serves the growing local residential area of Dargavel Village, Bishopton, and was built by Robertson Construction on behalf of BAE Systems Ltd, the site developer.

The purpose-built school ensures that children can benefit from having natural light and spacious learning environments through an open plan layout. The space is flexible to support many types of learning activities as well as having quieter areas for children when needed. 

The school also has outdoor learning spaces, including a secure roof terrace area with planters for gardening and carrying out STEM lessons, covered canopies for outdoor learning, planted nature trails, and informal seating areas for children to eat their lunch and relax.

The new school also includes a multi-use games area that the community can use outside of the school day.

Councillor Jim Paterson, education convener for Renfrewshire Council, unveiled the plaque commemorating the school’s official opening.

He said: “Pupils have been at the heart of creating their new school. Their ideas helped design the school badge, inspired by the much-loved swans who reside in ponds nearby and the cannon symbolising the area’s past history. They also decided on the colours for the school that represent the local wildlife and natural environment for them.

“The school has lots of natural light and flexible learning spaces, both indoor and out, providing the best possible learning environment for pupils to reach their full potential.”

Gerry Carlton, head teacher at the school, said: “The pupils did a fantastic job leading today’s ceremony and giving the guests a guided tour of the new school. Our performers showcased their many talents, ably supported by the Dargavel staff.

“The pupils and staff love their new school and have settled in very well since January. We are excited for the future of Dargavel Primary; we strive to build strong and long-lasting partnerships with our local community and want our school to be at the heart of the Dargavel community.”