A glimpse into school’s future

The pupils joined local councillors on a tour of the new Lairdsland Primary School, near Kirkintilloch’s Southbank Marina.

The building, which opens after the Easter holidays, will be used as a reference design for a series of new primaries being built under East Dunbartonshire Council’s controversial Primary School Improvement Programme (PSIP).

The school boasts flexible, open learning spaces as well as classrooms and covered outdoor learning areas for all pupils.

It also features a range of small and large group work spaces which can be used by teachers as they need them, for music and art lessons, class teaching, project work, and individual learning.

The group got a sneak preview of one of the new classrooms which will include LCD touchscreens supported by Wi-Fi throughout the building.

Another new feature is an outside Multi-use Games Area (MUGA) pitch which will be used for physical education and pupil health and fitness.

Louise, a primary six pupil from Lairdsland said: “I really enjoyed seeing around the new school. I could not believe how big and modern it is.

“I am really excited to start working in the new school after the Easter holiday.

“It was great to see the classroom I will be moving into and I am looking forward to using the new touch screen boards and the outdoor learning balcony.”

Council leader Rhondda Geekie said: “The whole purpose of our PSIP is to provide an enhanced learning experience for our pupils and the new Lairdsland Primary School building most certainly achieves that.

“This is an excellent teaching facility that will absolutely support the Curriculum for Excellence.

“Almost 300 young pupils and teaching staff will move in here in just over a month’s time and, based on what I’ve seen today, I’m sure they will love it.”

Pupils will move into their new school on Tuesday, April 21, following the Easter holidays, with an official opening ceremony planned.