Latest News
Science Centre Update, September 2009
Going, going, gone! News of how the old Science Block is being replaced in the biggest project of its kind in PGS history.
After months of careful planning, work started on schedule on 20th July with the demolition of the old science block. Kier Southern have been employed to construct the new three storey science centre within the school campus, the biggest capital building project in the school's 275 year history. This new 21st century hub for science at PGS will house incorporate an open atrium, exhibition space, science auditorium and additional laboratories and will accommodate all the anticipated needs of science at PGS in one space at a time when more pupils than ever before are opting to study science subjects at 'A' level and for the International Baccalaureate.
Following the completion of demolition, excavation works and pouring of the foundations has progressed and this element of the works is now virtually complete in readiness for the commencement of the arrival of a steel supporting frame in mid-September. Drainage works and service diversions are currently being completed. Fully equipped temporary laboratories were fully functional for the first day of the new school year so that lessons could resume as normal.
As former pupil Mark Birkinshaw who holds the William P Coldrick Professor in Cosmology and Astrophysics explains, "Since the construction of the Science Block at School there have been vast changes in the methods of scientific research and of the tools used in scientific investigation. An improvement in the science teaching facilities at school level is just as important as the improvements that are currently being made at university level and in industrial laboratories. No science building has a lifetime of fifty years without major modification, and the science block at the School is no objection". Mark, along with a number of other eminent scientists, including the astronomer and broadcaster Patrick Moore, have provided written testimonials in support of the project.
Constructed in 1957 by the architect Lilian Stevenson, the old science block was, when first built, something of a sensation as it was the first public building in the country to use plastic drainpiping! Mrs Stevenson heartily approves of the new design which incorporates a wealth of environmental features in the form of photo-voltaic cells and rainwater capture devices as well as a rooftop greenhouse, which pupils studying architecture are helping to design.
Martin Orr, Director of Kier Southern, who have been awarded the contract to construct the new Science Block remarked: "Kier are very pleased to have this opportunity to work with The Portsmouth Grammar School, one of the country's leading co-educational schools. This fantastic new science facility will enhance The Portsmouth Grammar School's already excellent reputation for providing high quality teaching by the addition of a modern, well-equipped environment bringing together their future needs under one roof. We look forward to a close and successful working relationship with the staff, students and local community during the construction of this exciting and inspirational project"
FAQs
Why do we need a new science building?
The demand for science teaching at PGS currently outweighs the space available for flexible teaching. Given the high levels of achievement in Biology, Chemistry and Physics over recent years at both GCSE and A Level, it is clear that further space needs to be made available. It would be uneconomical to improve the existing Physics and Chemistry blocks, built in 1957; the proposed design, however, will incorporate the refurbished Biology department and the two new laboratories developed next to the Library. A new building enables us to create an outstanding facility to accommodate all three sciences for the next fifty years.
How much will this new centre cost and will this impact on the school fees?
The cost for the new building is £6 million and will largely be funded through long-term borrowing. It will not impact on school fees; in fact, it is anticipated that the 2009-2010 rise in fees will be lower than for the current year.
What is the expected time-frame for the building work?
It is expected that the current Physics and Chemistry blocks will be demolished during the summer holidays in 2009. The work is anticipated to take approximately 15 months to complete. We hope to open the new Science Centre in September 2010.
What provision will be made in the meantime for science lessons?
For the duration of the building work, six large temporary laboratories will be in use and situated on the school site. The newly refurbished Biology laboratories will also be fully functional throughout, as will the two new laboratories next to the Library. Disruption will be kept to a minimum to ensure continuity of teaching and learning, which remains our absolute priority.
How will this affect the day-to-day running of the school?
Health and Safety are important concerns, so entrance and egress from the school site will be carefully organised to ensure pupil and parent protection. Delivery times for building materials and work involving noise will be arranged to best fit the school timetable and calendar. The school has recent experience of managing a major development project successfully whilst ensuring the smooth running of its day-to-day operation, when the Dining Hall and Theatre complex was built in 2006. Essentially, in the short term your child's education will be largely uninterrupted and, in the long term, your child will benefit significantly from the improved facilities.
