Pavilion Study Centre in Whetstone
Barnet Council reopened the Pavilion Study Centre in Whetstone yesterday (Thursday 20 October), with an official ceremony attended by the Deputy Mayor and other local dignitaries.
The Pavilion is the main educational institute for young people who are unable to attend mainstream schools in Barnet and is part of Barnet’s Family Friendly vision.
The upgrade includes more spacious and modern facilities such as science, art and technology workshops, an IT suite, space for music, drama and modern sports facilities for students and local sports clubs.
Cutting the ribbon, Cllr Pauline Coakley Webb, Chair of Barnet Council’s Children, Education and Safeguarding Committee, said: “This new building is a wonderful place for our young people to be able to enjoy their education and prepare them for the next steps in life.
“I’m so proud of the effort and care everyone involved has given to making this a place that our young people deserve and where they can thrive.
“We want everyone in Barnet to feel that they have the opportunity to succeed and flourish in their communities, and this building and the people working in it are a testament to those aspirations.”
The Pavilion offers a range of educational programmes and services for up to 73 young people who no longer attend mainstream schools for a variety of reasons including social, emotional, behavioural and medical difficulties.
Joanne Kelly, Executive Headteacher, said: “When young people used to arrive at our old buildings, their feelings of rejection and failure were often reinforced by the accommodation that they were faced with. Our new building has changed all that, and now young people arrive with a feeling of hope. They recognise that they are valued and have a real chance to start again.”
Part-funded with an investment of £8.7million from Department for Education, the project includes significant enhancement works to Dame Alice Owens playing fields and modern sports pavilion for use by local clubs and the community.
Damian Kelly, GRAHAM Project Manager, said: “The Pavilion is a place where young people can go to continue their education in an environment that supports their learning and developmental needs.
“Completely modernised, it now offers a variety of facilities to help students fulfil their academic potential. It is our privilege to have worked on this project and we hope it will add considerable value to the local community now and for years to come.”
The wider development also includes a new car park including two electric vehicle charge points, cycle parking, and an outdoor classroom for practical activities, specially landscaped ground and enhanced security.