It has been a long wait, but the children of the British International Preparatory School have finally moved into their new campus.
After a year-long delay due to issues with the contractor, on 25 March the 400 children who attend the school spent their first day at the new school grounds, which are located on Selbourne Road.
The school relocated from the Northlands area where no more construction could take place on the grounds. The new location offers state-of-the-art facilities, specialised furniture and much more space for children to play, learn and grow. “This is the first day that the children and teachers are here,” said Margaret Oshry, who is the dean for British International Colleges and Schools.
“The building is the same kind that is found in schools in Europe, and everything here is based on research as to what is best for children to learn.”
About 400 children aged between three and 13 years old currently attend the school, but the new grounds are large enough to accommodate about 600 children in total.
“Each age group has its own play area, with equipment that they can climb, as research shows that after playing [on those sorts of jungle gyms] children are able to learn better. Each classroom has custom-made furniture, the lights are motion-operated to save electricity and there are no stairs in the building, only ramps so that the children don’t fall and hurt themselves. Sports fields are also being built now,” added Oshry.
The campus also has a music centre, arts centre, digital centre and multi-media centre to develop children outside of academics.
On the day, founding parents, staff and teachers were present, as well as Joan Griebenow who was the founding principal.
“It’s a dream come true to be in the new building,” she said. “I would like to wish the school every success and I hope they carry on doing well.”
Garth Thompson, the school’s current principal, was also ecstatic to be in the new building and said that the change is very exciting. He also shared his hopes and dreams for the new space.
“We have exceptionally high academic standards and cultural standards already, but part of the vision for this campus is to improve our sports programme. I also look forward to growing the number of children here.
“The children are clearly happy here, and that’s most important to me,” he concluded.
Details: www.britishinternationalcollege.co.za/Preparatory
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