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Headteacher Stefan Hopper and Haylands students
A new era has begun for students of a Ryde school, who this week settled in to their state-of-the-art new building.
More than 400 children are exploring their brand new primary school at Haylands.
Located on the grounds of the former Swanmore Middle School, the building employs solar power and natural light to help children learn.
The project has been delivered on time and to budget, according to the headteacher, as part of the major two-tier schools' reorganisation.
Haylands Primary opened for lessons for the first time last week.
Headteacher Stefan Hopper told Isle of Wight Radio that although the move was hard, it was made easier thanks to the exciting architecture and environment in the new school: "There has been teaching and learning at the old site since the late 40s / early 50s and it was an interesting time - it's about getting on with the job, staff were very supportive. People were having to make changes. I think coming to a new home - brand new - has helped ease that somewhat. The focus has been on moving the children over and the school community."
And he said: "For a project of this size, we had a fair amount of say in how we wanted to realise the school. The architects from the beginning listened to the vision we had as a school and a governing body - bright and airy and I think you'll see we have a bright and airy, open school."
The main atrium
Penny Freeman outside the school
Colour-co-ordinated classroom
Main atrium
Climbing Wall
Haylands
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