An architects impression of the complete 2020 Vision.
THE PRINCIPAL of Bunclody Vocational College has spoken of his joy at the recent announcement that four new classrooms and a woodwork room will be constructed in the school.
Jay Murphy said both students and staff are “over the moon” at the news, which was announced last week by Minister of Education, Ruairi Quinn TD.
Accommodation approved by the Department of Education includes four 49m2 mainstream classrooms, one 136m2 Construction Studies/Woodwork Room, an increase on the Metalwork Room to 135m2 and 35m2 toilet facilities.
“This is the first faze of our 2020 vision and we are just thrilled – we have worked hard for this for a number of years and an inspector from the Department visited the school a few months ago so now it’s finally underway.
“In these economic times we realise money is tight so we’re just delighted. It’s a huge step in the right direction.”
Mr. Murphy now hopes for all the temporary classrooms in the school to be replaced in 3-5 years. “We are trying to introduce e-learning and active learning to correspond with the new Junior Cert and for that, more space is needed. Once the classrooms are replaced we would have one final faze to complete – improving the gym, sport, staff and office facilities.”
He added that these renovations are necessary as BunclodyVocationalCollege is growing in popularity every year: “There has been a fantastic increase in demand in the past few years. For example, there are more students coming in than leaving this year.
“We hope that all of this means we are kicking off a new era in Bunclody V.C; there is a new management structure in the school and a totally new vision. We can’t wait to get started with everything.”
Minster Paul Kehoe TD also welcomes the announcement of the new classrooms: “I am delighted that the Department of Education has approved additional funding for accommodation at the BunclodyVocationalCollege. I have been urging the Department of Education to approve this work since the school made their original application”.
[For full story, see this week’s Echo]