The £31.1million redevelopment of Waingels College in Woodley started back in April 2009 and three of the four new state-of-the-art buildings are now being used by students and staff.

Improvements include specialist learning spaces that are light and airy, with classrooms equipped with the latest technology and resources to support students’ progress. There is an increased range and diversity of learning opportunities tailored more precisely to the needs and interests of individual students. Work has started on the final building – the gold learning zone which will house communications and creative arts. The project will be fully completed by November 2011.

Year 13 student Brittany King tells us more about the project...

"Those who taught and worked in the old building can really see the impact on learning the new building has made. The buildings are very spacious and bright making it a much more positive environment to work and learn in. The school is above all aesthetically pleasing and environmentally-friendly.

"Many of the classrooms have new equipment (such as the Science Department) making practical lessons more frequent, which improve our learning drastically. The new buildings have a considerable amount of working space for sixth formers and there are plenty of computers and laptops to use in lessons or spare time.

"The new school’s main features are the stairs in each building, facing a projector screen which is used for smaller assemblies and bigger classes. This gives older students a feel for how lectures will run in further education. I believe new students will benefit from the new layout the most as it’s a big step from primary school, preparing them for the workplace."

Timetable

Phase one - April 2009 to August 2010

During this phase, temporary music, art, sixth form common rooms moved to other buildings around the site and the Community Zone, Red Learning Zone – humanities - and Green Learning Zone – technology - were built. Buildings no longer being used were demolished. Pupils and staff moved into these new buildings at the start of the new academic year - 2010/11.

Phase two - August 2010 to August 2011

Communications and Arts Zone being built and the remainder redundant buildings demolished. 

Phase three - September 2011 to November 2011

Landscaping will be completed including the central courtyard. 

For more information please email: ospwaingelscollege@wokingham.gov.uk.