Skinners Academy pioneers 21st century approach with new building
HRH the Duke of Gloucester unveils a plaque to mark the opening of Skinners' Academy. Photograph: The Learning Trust
A brand new school with a history dating back 120 years and a modern approach to classroom design has been officially opened in Hackney.
Skinners’ Academy in Woodberry Down (N4) was declared open Tuesday 12 April by HRH the Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO at a ceremony attended by dignitaries, students, parents and members of the local community.
Built on the principle of open-plan learning space, it also incorporates a number of environmental features including the recycling of rainwater and a seeded roof. It was designed to become a centrepoint for the community guided by the vision of its sponsors.
It replaces the former Skinners’ Company’s School for Girls previously located in a listed building in Stamford Hill. Now a mixed school, it is sponsored by the Skinners’ Company, one of the twelve great livery companies with a 700 year history.
L-R: HRH the Duke of Gloucester; Jules Pipe, Mayor of Hackney; James Malmesbury, Rt Hon The Earl of Malmesbury, Chair of Governors; and Hugh Carson, Master of the Skinners’ Company. Photograph: The Learning Trust
Students took the Duke on a tour of the building before he unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion. He said: “Congratulations to all of you who came together in the building of this new academy. The challenge is now for pupils and staff to grab the opportunity and put in all their efforts to make sure the foresight behind the academy is transformed into creativity and ambition in the years ahead.”
Principal Jenny Wilkins said: “In the 19th century the Skinners’ Girls school represented the best in education and what you have seen here today has exactly the same principles. The vision to achieve a first-class learning environment fit for the 21st century has been secured in this wonderful learning campus.”
She added: “Our specialism of Business, Enterprise and ICT has influenced the design and culture of our new school with the help and advice of our students.”
Student Millie Hagland (12) said: “We really like the new school. It’s big but easy to mix with students including those from other years. I know that we are lucky to have the resources we do – such as the mac suites and theatre.”
HRH the Duke of Gloucester visits an art class. Photograph: The Learning Trust
The academy opened in September 2010 with students settling into the new building in November 2010. Currently, students comprise Year 11, 12 and 13 from the Skinners’ Company’s School for Girls and a mixed new intake for Year 7. The other years will be introduced year-by-year until it becomes full by 2014, at which time it will accomodate 1150 students.
Student Samroz Umar (16) said, “This building is very different to where we were in Stamford Hill. It’s much more open and light which makes it easier to learn. I like it so much I am planning to stay here for Sixth Form.”
Facts and figures about the Skinners’ Academy building
£27.2m to build, funded by the Department for Education
1.4 hectare site with a stunning view of Alexandra Park and the surrounding area
10,340m² of accommodation for 1150 students (including 250 6th form students)
Sustainable features have been used throughout the design including highly insulated walls, exposed thermal mass, natural ventilation, biomass boiler, grey water recirculation, water conservation and biodiversity roofs
The building makes excellent use of recyclable rainwater that will be stored on site
Existing trees were incorporated into the planting scheme where possible
The seeded roof aids ecology and provides a learning tool for the students through consultations and monitoring of the plant life growth