An important event

The image comes from Dee Tyrrell, HGS 1955-61. Thank you, Dee.

The extensions bring the existing buildings approximately up to the standard of a four form entry Grammar School. The two new independent buildings are sited to the north of the existing school building and directly overlook the playing fields. Apart from new science and gymnasium blocks, existing laboratories have been converted into needlework, art/craft and music rooms and the kitchen and boiler house block has been reorganised and extended.
The new science block contains the physics, chemistry, biology and general science laboratories, with an additional classroom equipped for demonstrations; each laboratory has an adjacent preparation room. A staff room is included and also staff and pupils' toilets and cloaks. Direct access has been provided from the biology laboratory to the adjoining greenhouse.
The gymnasium block, which is linked with the science block by a paved terrace, consists of a single gymnasium unit with changing rooms and showers for pupils and staff. Provision has been made for the storage of games equipment in a store which opens on to the playing fields. Adjoining the gymnasium an additional hard playing surface has been formed.
The gymnasium and science laboratories are heated by radiant panels fitted in the ceiling. This enables the wall surfaces to be kept free of pipes and provides more room for equipment. Because of the very low pressure of the existing water supply, an automatic pressurising system has been incorporated and this is fed from a reserve tank situated beneath the paved gymnasium terrace.
The space available for the new buildings was severely limited by the existing playing field layout and it has been necessary to splay the angle between the two blocks to accommodate the cricket and hockey pitches.
Unfortunately several large trees had to be felled before building operations could commence but new trees are to be planted to restore the balance between buildings and foliage. Shrubs and plants are to be used in the layout of the small area adjacent to the biology laboratory and this area will be used in conjunction with the greenhouse. Groups of flower boxes are to be arranged on the terrace.
As in other new schools throughout the area, the danger of mining subsidence has been anticipated and the new buildings are built on reinforced concrete raft foundations.