The Owton Building - Grand Opening

GRAND OPENING THE OWTON BUILDING Handcross Park School officially opened their new state-of-the-art Owton Building, housing three new English classrooms and a dedicated ‘immersive classroom’.

The building is heated by air-source heat and benefits from integrated solar panelling and air conditioning. The warm, wood-panelling allows it to blend beautifully into its woodland setting. Designed by local architects: David Mott Associates and constructed by local contractors Cooke and Charman Ltd, work began in February this year and completed on schedule in August ready for the start of this term.

Inside, the classrooms feature learning walls, where Smartboards and whiteboards integrate with shelved panelling. The staircase is a tribute to classics of children’s literature, whilst the wall displays pay homage to literary greats and the origins of the English language. It would be a challenge to find a more glorious English Department than the one that now presides at Handcross Park School.

The immersive classroom offers pupils a ‘real life’ learning environment where pupils can enjoy an interactive Maths lesson, a voyage to space, a tour of a famous museum or a hike through the Amazon Forest...the list goes on! This room incorporates floor to ceiling interactive projections where pupils have the opportunity to experience places or situations they may never have thought possible.

In association with Renaissance One, we welcomed our guest speaker, John Agard to our grand opening. Agard is a well-renowned playwright, poet and children’s writer. He provided a lyrical and inspirational speech on the importance of books and the beauty of language. We also welcomed staff from the Brighton College family of schools, Governors, Friends of Handcross Park and parents.

The Owton Building was named after Graeme Owton, Headteacher at Handcross Park School from 2011-2016. Under his leadership, the school developed significantly, which led to it becoming part of the Brighton College family of schools. Mr Owton has gone on to have a pivotal role in Brighton College and is now Chief Executive of Brighton College International.