Transforming Education in Bedford: A Vision for World-Class Schools

1. Federation of Bedford Catholic Schools “Our Vision for the Future” January 20, 2011 Diocese of Northampton Scott Tallon Walker Architects

2. Our vision for education in Bedford is a realisation of the Prime Minster’s call for world class schools. Our focus is on the importance of teaching and learning to deliver ever-improving standards. Our aim is that every child reaches their potential to be the very best they can be. The Federation of Bedford Catholic Schools (FBCS) comprises of 4 schools, offering 0-19 Catholic education. Through a single Governing Body, an Executive Principal and a Director of Business Operations, we promote a culture of professional collaboration and efficient, effective decision-making. Our Headteachers concentrate on the business of leading pedagogy in an environment that nurtures innovation and creates success. Two of our schools are outstanding; two are satisfactory. We are progressing to all our schools being outstanding through harnessing collaborative advantage, sharing best practice and re-distributing leadership. We have a proven record of improving educational standards through changing structure. We also have a proven record of breaking the unacceptable correlation between wealth and achievement. Our value-added data is in the top 5% nationally and we are the National Champions for Community Cohesion and the achievement of minority ethnic children. Our structural and procedural changes underpin our preparedness and determination to deliver 3 world class schools for Bedford. We have formulated our plans. We have the support of our community. We are now ready to work in partnership to transform education and make a real difference to the children we serve. To do this, we don’t need the £25m typically-pledged for one school under BSF, but a modest £12m for 3 schools ‘to liberate every child to be the adult they aspire to be’. (Gove, 2010: 7)

3. Our School Requirements St John Rigby Lower – expand to Primary St Thomas More Upper – expand to Secondary St Gregory’s Middle – convert to Primary St Joseph’s Lower - release

4. Currently 300 Pupils • Proposed Increase to 420 Pupils • Remove temporary classrooms to provide site for new classrooms • Provision for pre-school on same site • Review parking / access status • Brief For New Buildings: • 6 new primary classrooms • 1 Multipurpose Hall • Teachers’ Workshop Facility • Support and Break-Out Spaces • Covered Link to Existing Building • Single Unit for Pre-School Provision St John Rigby Existing School Pre-School Facility Possible Location • New 6 Classroom Block with • Multi-Purpose Hall

5. St John Rigby – Possible Ground Floor Layout • 380m2 of gross area • Typical Classroom 60-65m2 • Multipurpose Hall Sub-dividable • Dedicated Classroom Toilets Typical Classroom Multi-Purpose Hall Classroom Support Spaces Hall Stores Entry Hall Break-Out Foyer General Toilets / Plant Space Wheelchair Access Lift Main Stair Escape Stairs

6. St John Rigby – Possible First Floor Layout • 354m2 of gross area • Typical Classroom 60-65m2 • Dedicated Classroom Toilets Typical Classroom Classroom Support Spaces Teachers Workshop Room Break-Out Foyer Void to Below Wheelchair Access Lift Main Stair Escape Stairs

7. St John Rigby – Illustrative View of 6 Classroom Block + Hall

8. St Thomas More Upper School • Increase intake by 300 pupils max. • Remove 4 - 5 temporary classrooms • Increased provision is for yrs. 7 & 8 • Brief For New Building: • 14 - 16 classrooms maximum • Support and Break-Out Spaces • Toilets, Plant and Storage Space • Expand Existing Cafeteria to suit increased intake • Review parking and access status • New Entrance Ramp and Terrace • (already has planning permission) • Existing Activity • Centre • New 4 - 6 • Classroom Block • New Expanded Cafeteria • Single Story Buildings Retained • New 10 Classroom Block

9. St Thomas More Upper School – Indicative 10 Classroom Block Plan • 432m2 of gross area • Typical Classroom 60-65m2 Typical Classroom Entry Hall General Toilets / Plant Space Wheelchair Access Lift Breakout Corridor Escape Stairs GROUND FLOOR PLAN

10. St Thomas More Upper School – Indicative 10 Classroom Block Plan • 400m2 of gross area • Typical Classroom 60-65m2 Typical Classroom Void to Below General Toilets / Plant Space Wheelchair Access Lift Breakout Corridor Escape Stairs FIRST FLOOR PLAN

11. St Thomas More – Illustrative Views of a 10 Classroom Block

12. St Thomas More Upper School – Suggested Cafeteria Extension New Cafeteria Rotunda (113m2) External Covered Link Existing Cafeteria (170m2) Exterior Paved Seating Area Existing Kitchen 4 4 1 2 3 5 4 PLAN 1 3 2 SECTION

13. St Thomas More Upper School – New Entrance, Ramp and Terrace

14. St Gregory’s Middle School – Conversion to 3 Form Entry Primary • Currently 360 Pupils as a Middle School (Previously 420) • Proposed expansion to 630 Pupils + 60 place nursery facility • Accommodate EYFS and Years 2 and 3 via demolishing existing single story wing and replacing with new 2 story purpose built block • Provide new purpose built nursery block with own entrance and secure play area • Refurbish existing building to accommodate years 4, 5 and 6 EYFS – Ground Floor Years 2 + 3 Above Years 4, 5, 6 in Existing • New 60 Place Nursery Building

15. Three Form Entry Strategy - Ground Floor Outline Brief: Chapel 2 x Hall 2 x Dining Rooms 2 x ICT Suites 2 x Libraries Nurture Room Intervention Rooms 15 Classrooms w/ Art/Wet Facilities 8 EYFS Rooms 60 Place Nursery Parking and Access Augmented Denotes New 60 Place Nursery Facility (temporary building removed) Denotes New EYFS with hall, dining, toilets, support spaces & external areas Denotes Areas Modified to Achieve Brief For Years 4, 5 and 6

16. Three Form Entry Strategy - First Floor Denotes First Floor for Years 2 + 3 Classrooms, library, toilets & support spaces Denotes Areas Modified to Achieve Brief for Years 4, 5 and 6