Figure 1.--Some of the schools still use quite old buildings. A great deal of imagination has gone in to how these buildings can be used for school purposes.
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Figure 1.--Some of the schools still use quite old buildings. A great deal of imagination has gone in to how these buildings can be used for school purposes. |
Many schools have lovely old manor housees as well as a range of purpose-built modern buildings. The manor houses set on senic grounds provide an attractive atmosphere for the children. Schools often use the existing buildings imaginatively. And they have added many modern buidings to provide amenities and facilities that were not available to the children in the rather spartan facilities that the schools had until recent years. There are also a range of other buildings, both those associated with manor houses as well as purpose-built school facilities.
The main school building, originally a private home, built in 1908, stands in exceptionally attractive grounds surrounded by eight acres of playing fields. When the school first occupied the premises in 1962, the existing accomodations were converted to provide two classrooms, art rooms, dormitories, and changing rooms, and at the same time a new block was built containing seven classrooms. The following year, a games pavilion was erected in memory of the founder, N.R. Brown, Four years later, in 1967, following a successful appeal launched by the Trustees, the school was able to build a science laboratory and a gymnasium designed for use also as an assembly hll. Then, in 1972, adding to the xcellent facilities offered by the school, a heated outdoor swimming pool was provided, largely from the accumulated proceeds of the annual fête.
Birchfield School Prospectus
The summer house, we are told, has worn many different hats. It has even served as Masters' Common Room, and also Bachelor quarters but now it has been demoted, Brbara Woodhouse might claim promoted, to be a home to numerous Lanrador puppies. Home whether of pedagogues or labradors it now looks very beautiful beneath its golden crown and no one would doubt the wisdom of the Governors in their wish to restore this important part of the Lambrook scene.
Lambrook Chronicle, 1980.
Pownall Hall was constructed at the height of the Arts and Crafts movement just under a century ago, and is one of the finest buildings of its kind in the North West.
Despite the fact that over the years the building has lost much of its valuable painted glass from many windows, several of the De Morgan tiled fireplaces and a one hundred foot painted frieze from the staff room, there is still a great deal left which delights the eye and the aesthetic sense.
We must all have noticed the beautiful painted glass windows in the headmaster's study: one oval for each month in the year; nd no one could have missed the strange hand-painted beasts on the De Morgan tiles in the staff room fireplace. But how many have really looked at the seat ends in the library, or the sides of the carved beam ends in the main entrance hall? As for the magnificent bath and surrounds in the private flat of the headmater -- well, words fail me!
During the summer term, groups of boys were to be seen wandering round the school searching for carved wood from which to take rubbings, and found all sorts of things they haven't noticed before. They took tracings of mosaic floors in the theatre, and the front and back porches, and even the history of Pownall Hall carved in stone on the wall of the entrance porch. All this proved to be an exciting period of artistic discovery.
Now that we have become over the years aware if the value and unique beauty of so much at Pownall, I hopw we will cherish what still remains.
Peter Skertchly, The Wheasheaf (Pownall Hall), 1980.
This year the stable buildings have been converted into staff flats. This is one of the biggest projects that we have undertaken in ten years since we have been a Trust, and what n impressive home it has made for several of our living-in-staff. Other improvements include repairs to the stable-yard buildings and changing room for the boys at the swimming pool.
Beaudesert Park Magazine, Autumn 1978.
The main building contins the dormitories, dining-rooms, kitchen, recreation rooms, changing room, showers, Chapel and flsats for the Community and Matron. The Dormitories, which sleep 5 to 10 boys, are comfortably furnished and carpeted, wach with its own washing facilities. In separate wings are the Office accomodations and classrooms, and also a Nuffield Science Lasboratory, Woodwork Room and Sports Hall for badmintonm basketball, etc. The grounds contain three rugby pitches, Cricket pitch, Hard and Grass Tennis Courts and Swimming Pool.
Bishop's Court School Prospectus
The main school building, which is centrally heated throughout, has been developed and modernized as part of a continuing programme. The dormitories, modern classroom block, new dining room, kitchen and changing rooms, library, music room and commons rooms are all situated centrally, whilst the gymnasium, heated and covered swimming pool, and the carpentry shop are immediately adjascent.
Brigtlands Preparatory School Prospectus
The main building contains accomodations for 24 weekly boarders, the Matron and the Headmaster's family. There are four individual classrooms, built in 1968, and a large block containing two classrooms. Other amenities include a gymnasium, a filtered and heated swimming pool, an Art and Craft block, known as the Studio, and a library, housing a comprehensive selection of reference books. The most recent addition is the new shower block and changing rooms.
Beech Hill Prospectus
The main school buildings, originally the Manor House of Westbury, stand in beautiful grounds of 23 acres which include playing fields, woodlands and well kept gardens. The dormitories, library and changing rooms are in the main building, and nearby three recent additions have been made. In 1966 a new classroom block was built. This was added to in 1977 to provide seven classrooms and a modern science laboratory. In 1968 a gym was constructed and a Lecture Hall cum Theatre was completed in 1977.
Beachborough Prospectus
