New St Fergus Primary School opens its doors

Pupils at St Fergus Primary School are making themselves at home in their newly completed school, built as part of the Renfrewshire Council’s multi-million pound schools investment programme.

Convener, Cllr Jim Paterson, Depute Convener, Cllr Lorraine Cameron, Headteacher Mhairi McDonald with pupils from the school and Chief Inspector Martin Gallahher and Constable Craig Geddes from Police Scotland

Children and teachers are enjoying their new surroundings in the £4 million single storey building which accommodates 175 pupils and features a mix of flexible teaching spaces, independent learning areas and opportunities for outdoor learning formal and informal teaching spaces along with opportunities for outdoor learning.

The new school includes features aimed at maximising the children’s levels of engagement such as a bespoke library space with recessed seating and a playground performance space with canopy, picnic benches, eco growing area, climbing wall, wobble board, spiral climbing net and an all-weather sports pitch.

Councillor Jim Paterson, Renfrewshire Council’s Convene of Education and Children’s Services, visited the school this week and received a tour of the building from some of the pupils alongside Headteacher Mhairi McDonald.

Councillor Paterson, said: “It was great to visit the pupils and teachers from St Fergus Primary School and see how much they are enjoying their new school.

“The new school will help support the future of our children and young people by providing the best possible environment for them to learn and keep them engaged. It was clear from my visit that the children are excited and enthused to learn in their new school.”

Headteacher Ms Mhairi McDonald, said: “Our children, staff and parents are delighted to be in our new building. The children have had great input into the design including the colours and the playground.

“The learning environment is fantastic, bright and airy with lots of natural light and has great opportunities for collaborative and active learning both indoors and outdoors.”

St Fergus’ was also presented with the Secure by Design Awards by Chief Inspector Martin Gallagher, KA (Paisley) area commander and Constable Craig Geddes, Architectural Liaison Officer from Police Scotland during the visit. Secured by Design (SBD) is a national police initiative that aims to reduce the opportunity for crime in our built environment.  This award shows that by working in partnership with the police the school has met approved security standards that have been developed to address criminal acts such as anti-social behaviour, vandalism and break-ins. Under Police Scotland this is the first school in Renfrewshire to be awarded the SBD accreditation. This will ensure that the school children will have a safer learning environment as well as having a positive impact for police with a reduction in the crime.

The work at St Fergus’ Primary School is part of Renfrewshire Council’s extensive £52 million investment programme to improve local schools and promote learning and achievement by giving children the best possible learning environment.