Space is at a premium in a busy school such as ours and we always aim to make the best use of the space that we have.
Our ‘Old Gym’ was once exclusively used for sports activity. However, since the completion of the newer sports block, which considerably expanded the school’s indoor sports facilities, many other departments can also make good use of the space. Consequently we have converted the Old Gym into the Rutland Studio, which is even more suited to a variety of uses.
A space for all
The space provided by the Rutland Studio is used by many departments, from English to PE and from RE to Drama. Currently, two of our larger spaces (the Main Hall and the Drama Hall) are also used as dinner halls and for a wealth of after school activities. Consequently these spaces, which would be ideal for lunch time clubs or lessons that need spacious teaching areas, are not available in the run-up to, and during, lunch.
The redesigned Rutland Studio now provides provide a more consistently available space for large groups, as well as a much needed rehearsal and performance space. It also provides an alternative venue to which we can welcome parents and students to watch smaller productions and musical performances.
Community use
We already make many of our facilities available to the community to hire for local events. Our larger multifunctional rooms (the Sports Hall, Main Hall and Drama Hall) are very popular and the Rutland Studio now provides the potential for further space for community events.
What’s involved?
In order to change the use of the space we have:
- Removed the now disused gym equipment
- Hung blackout/sound absorbing curtains
- Hung a false ceiling to improve the acoustics of the room
- Improved existing and install additional lighting
- Redecorated
- Renovated the wooden floor
This project has been made possible by a generous donation from the PTFA.