We've launched!
On July 4th, Mary Hare launched its appeal to fundraise for a new primary school on the Snelsmore campus with a target completion date of 2020. The appeal is to raise £6 million, some of which will come from the sale of the existing building.
The new school will bring even greater benefits to children who are deaf, improving their outcomes and inspiring them to achieve even more. The state of the art building will be built on the main school campus overlooking the secondary site. With its distinct horseshoe shape, the classrooms in the new school look out over the countryside. An internal courtyard will bind the outer parts of the building and will provide an ideal space for socialising, choir practice and outside projects.
The boarding facilities will be separate yet close to the school building, which is on one level, providing easy access for children who may have additional mobility needs.
The current Primary School is situated in a grade 2* listed building at Greenham. Sadly, this building no longer meets our needs and is difficult to maintain. The intention will be to take the best of the old school and put it into a new bespoke building with state of the art Speech & Language and Audiology suites, ensuring our children get the additional support they deserve. There will be additional space for 1:1 or small group sessions and all rooms will be acoustically treated with up to date modern facilities. Significant savings on utilities and maintenance costs will make a huge difference to us.
Guests at the launch appeal included Pippa Middleton, Ambassador for the school and Richard Benyon, MP, along with other dignitaries and people involved with this exciting project. Pippa commented, “there are many good reasons to support the Primary School project and I am delighted that the Appeal launch has been so successful." Mr Gale added ‘the advantages of moving to a new school on our campus are considerable, not least in making it easier for staff from the two departments to work together and bring their expertise to benefit all of our pupils. We have been very happy in Greenham and will keep fond memories of our time there, but it is time for us to have a 21st century school.’
Presentations were given by Peter Gale, Principal and CEO, the Architect, Andrew Fifield and Kirsten Lloyd, Chairman of Trustees. In addition some primary pupils gave a wonderful performance singing two songs for all present. The presentations concluded with our launch video including a boardroom scene enacted by the Primary pupils which reduced many to tears.
It is hoped that, after such a successful evening, many of those present will get behind the appeal and funds should start rolling in!