PUPILS at Chipping Norton School will soon be conducting their experiments in brand new surroundings as work starts on a £4.4 million project to build a three-storey science block.

Funded by Oxfordshire County Council, the new block will include: nine specialist laboratories – three each for biology, chemistry and physics – shared community classroom, new preparation rooms, staff workroom and an office and new toilets for staff and pupils. Alongside the construction of the science block, the project also includes the creation of a new main school entrance and reception area.

On completion of the project the former science accommodation will be remodelled by the school to provide more general teaching space and more internal social space.

Simon Duffy, headteacher of the specialist science school, said: “Science learning is crucial to understanding the world around us and, more importantly, understanding how we can shape our own global future.

“The enthusiasm for science learning that I see on a daily basis will be greatly enhanced by the excellent new facilities.

“The new science block, right at the front of our school, will stand out as a beacon to let people know that we are serious about science and serious about high quality learning.

“It will also help us to ensure that we maintain our record of getting students to university to study sciences and mathematics, often at Oxford or Cambridge, and to develop young scientists who have the wherewithal to meet the huge demands of an increasingly uncertain world ahead of them,” said Mr Duffy.

The new block is due to open in June 2011.