All subject areas of the Curriculum for Excellence can be taught in the school including Science, Home Economics, Art, Drama, Music, Computing and many more. Specialist facilities also have been included such as a beauty therapy suite, a bike maintenance classroom, a teaching pool and hydrotherapy pool and fully equipped modern classrooms with Smart technology. Desks, sinks, hobs and screens are fully height adjustable.
It also has a special ‘training flat’ that will be used to develop life skills with young people.
The school has many environmental features such as lighting sensors; under floor heating; high levels of insulation; a biomass boiler to provide heating throughout the school.
Carrongrange Headteacher Gillian Robertson said: “Pupils are thriving since coming into the new school and are building their knowledge and confidence every day with what’s on offer here. The pupils have settled in well since returning in August and the official opening marks a highlight for staff and pupils in an eventful year.
Councillor Adanna McCue, Falkirk Council’s spokesperson for Education said: “Carrongrange is an excellent environment for pupils to learn and achieve their potential in all curricular lead activities and much more. On my first visit I was amazed at the building and facilities. It is a fantastic place of learning. I am sure all pupils and staff will get so much from this modern designed and technological facility."
Gary Bushnell, Chief Executive, hub East Central Scotland, said: “Our team worked closely with Falkirk Council to manage the project from initial design and procurement through to successful completion on time and budget. The new school provides a high quality learning environment that encourages pupils to 'be all they can be', at best value to the community.”
Donald MacDonald, Managing Director, Ogilvie Construction, said: “We are proud to have delivered a high quality building that has such an important role in the community. We worked with staff, pupils and the Council throughout the construction process and they will now benefit from a bright, modern facility, purpose built to meet their needs.”
John Swinney, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, said: “At the outset of our £1.8bn Schools for the Future programme in 2009, we originally aimed to build or refurbish 55 schools across Scotland – we have now more than doubled that commitment and it is fantastic to see so many of these wonderful buildings, such as the new Carrongrange High School, coming into use.
“More widely, since 2007, 651 school building projects have been completed, which is almost double the amount completed over the preceding eight years.
“This is part of our aim to provide our children and young people with inspiring environments which enable all of them to engage with their learning and, which in turn, help to raise attainment. I wish staff and pupils all the best for the future in their new school.”