Premier Construction

Newark Academy

Newark
Written by Roma Publications

Newark Academy

Newark Academy is a brand new school building which opened in Nottinghamshire, in early January this year. The £25m (estimated) new build project began in October 2014, leading to a three storey school building across 10051m², adjacent to 103 parking spaces.

The secondary school project took place as a rebuild, replacing the previous Newark Academy building, which was old and dilapidated. Newark Academy combines a high school and sixth form, with specialist classrooms to deliver a wide-ranging curriculum. Kier Group acted as main contractor on the project.

With outstanding sporting facilities, Newark Academy boasts a modern sports complex with a large sports hall, activity studio and fitness studio, along with many outdoor sports pitches and a MUGA (multi-use games area).

Modern technology is at the forefront of Newark Academy with a total of nine IT learning areas throughout the school, ensuring all students have access to technology when they need it. Design and Technology contains excellent CAD/CAM facilities and English and Maths classrooms have been designed with student achievement as the primary concern.

A contemporary studio and auditorium have been integrated in the building for the drama students, in addition to ample space provided for budding musicians to practice their instruments.

External developments that took place include the surfacing of the car parks, decorative landscaping and commercial access and estate roads. Roof cladding was carried out, in addition to precast concrete decking, new access, soft and hard landscaping and curtain walling. Security fencing and CCTV were placed in the area to maintain safe and secure surroundings.

Schools Minister David Laws said:

“Delivering great new schools will help to build a stronger economy and a fairer society, so that every young person across the region can get on in life.

“Vital building work is taking place at schools in the worst state across the country. We are making excellent progress with 14 school buildings complete and all 261 schools to be completed by the end of 2017.”

For students in sixth form, a range of A-Levels and equivalent subjects are available, including art, biology, business studies, French, ICT, maths, media, music and sports, amongst many others.

The Newark Academy is now officially an Academy, sponsored by Lincoln College, an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ institution. The academy’s intention is to increase levels of achievement by developing high aspirations amongst all students that attend. Interestingly, A level exam results are the best in the school’s history and the academy hopes to improve these even further.

Karine Jasper, Principal of The Newark Academy, commented:

“The building of our new school is a great boost, not just for the students and staff but for the community we serve.

“This momentous investment in the town of Newark would not have been possible without the support of many – the voice of primary schools, parents and students, the local action groups, Nottinghamshire LA and Lincoln College Group, our sponsor.

“Together we work hard to ensure that we deliver the very best learning and care, and soon we will have the building to match our drive to be the very best we can be.”

Dotcom Glazing Limited

Established in 1999, Dotcom Glazing Limited fabricate and install a comprehensive range of architectural aluminium glazing products which include windows, doors, curtain walling, entrance screens, fire retardant screens & doors, brie soleil etc.

The company offers its services throughout the United Kingdom to many Contractors and Developers.

Dotcom had great pleasure in being invited by Kiers to supply and install the aluminium architectural glazing requirements for the New Academy at Newark.

Other projects which have been recently undertaken include the Lanchester Community Academy at Watford; plus schools, major buildings, hospital projects and nursing homes, student accommodation, along with a variety of new Premier Inn Hotel developments throughout the UK.

Plus many others prestigious developments and refurbishments, where on occasions Dotcom have been asked to provide input into the design and installation requirements by the in-house technical designers and contract management team.

To discuss their involvement with the Kier Group, Premier Construction caught up with Terry George of Dotcom who commented:

“Dotcom Glazing is a highly qualified and well respected fabrication and installation company, who have enjoyed carrying out contract glazing packages for projects undertaken by the Kier Group.

“Kier are a very progressive and professional company, similar to Dotcom Glazing, precisely the type of company we like to do business with and the type of work they undertake ideally suits the developing structure and growth of Dotcom.”

Terry added:

“We like to believe that we are very professional in our undertakings; that we give a very good service at a competitive price, and the range of products we have on offer will almost always meet the requirements of the contracts; hopefully giving our clients a confident feeling and encouraging them to continue trusting us with their business.”

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Roma Publications