State-of-the-art facilities for Weobley High School

Karen Cookson, year 11 pupil, and Monica Barry, School librarian using the hi-tech thumb-print scanner to check-out a book.

Budding Einstein's and aspiring Shakespeare's will be able to flourish in the new state-of-the-art science facilities and library at Weobley High School.

The school has had its old science laboratory completely refurbished, the former library converted into a new science laboratory and the former drama and music accommodation converted into a new library and resource centre.

Herefordshire Council funded the £220,000 conversion and refurbishment project, with local contractors, Harpers of Leominster, carrying out the work.

The new state-of-the-art facilities will give students access to the highest quality resources.

The library has a hi-tech thumbprint system for book loans, meaning lost cards and mistaken identity will be a thing of the past.

Students will have access to more library resources to help them in their studies. Increased ICT provision will allow them to carry out research and gather material from the Internet. The school has also increased the amount of books available.

The improved library facility also means that lessons will now be able to be held in the library.

Each of the new science laboratories now has interactive whiteboards, new laboratory benches and tables. The science area also now has its own dedicated ICT space.

Drama and music have seen improvements too. Drama has relocated and now has a full drama workshop complete with professional lighting. The music department has moved and now has two teaching and three practice areas.

Mrs Sue Woodrow, Weobley High School headteacher, said: “I’m delighted with the new facilities.

“The improvements mean that students have many more learning materials at their finger-tips. The state-of-the-art facilities also give them a much better learning environment,” she added.

Cllr Don Rule, Cabinet Member (Children’s Services), said: “Making sure the County’s children enjoy their education and reach their full potential is a key aim for Herefordshire Council and these impressive facilities will help us achieve just that.”

The new facilities were officially opened by Richard Frost from Primasil Silicone Ltd, a local company that have supported the school for many years.