Queen Elizabeth Grammar School’s new teaching block was officially opened this week, by former headteacher Mr Colin Birnie.
To mark the occasion, the school hosted a small reception for invited guests in the new building. Music was provided by QEGS’ choir, who performed a selection of traditional and modern Christmas carols, accompanied on the piano by head of music, Mr Daniel Roberts. The Friends of QEGS laid on drinks and finger food, served by sixth form students.
After an introduction by current headteacher, Mr Paul Buckland, in which he paid tribute to Mr Birnie’s many achievements during his 26-years at QEGS, Mr Birnie unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion. In his speech, Mr Birnie, who joined the staff in 1978 and was headteacher between 1993 and 2004, acknowledged the hard work of staff and governors from his time in post. He also thanked his wife, Helen, who accompanied him to the event, for her support and many contributions. He said:
“I’m very honoured to have this building named after me. There is no doubt that the school has gone from strength to strength and that gives me a great deal of pleasure.”
The Colin Birnie Building contains four spacious classrooms with state-of-the-art technology; a much-needed new laboratory; and a flexible open-plan space, which will be largely used by sixth form students for private study as well as for presentations, staff training, concerts and more.
The construction of the Birnie building was paid for by QEGS’ successful bid to the Department for Education’s Condition Improvement Fund, which exists to replace dilapidated classrooms. But the equipment and furniture was paid for by donations from students, their families and members of staff. A wall plaque inside the building lists the names of all who contributed.
Mr Buckland said: “Without these generous contributions it would have been very difficult to get these marvellous new rooms ready so quickly for learning to begin here, as it did from the middle of September. This is a great new space and resource for QEGS in which our students will continue to learn and flourish.”
