GALLERY | Pozzoni shows off Didsbury High School
As most pupils across the UK take a break from the classroom, the first professional images of South Manchester’s newest secondary school show children and teachers ‘bedded in’ after completing a full academic term before homeschooling began.
See gallery below. Images by Beccy Lane, Positive Image Photography
Didsbury High School, a £20m school from the Laurus Trust, welcomed an initial 210 Year 7 pupils when it opened in September 2019. The school, designed by Pozzoni Architecture and built by BAM, will add further intakes every academic year and will eventually comprise a sixth form of 300 pupils.
The building’s novel ‘twin-core’ approach provided two bright and spacious areas for congregation; in the four-storey, vaulted dining hall and at the Hive – a novel space for pupil interactions, designed around the school’s iconic honeycomb logo.
Classrooms for similar subjects were grouped together to aid navigation around the building: ICT, science and maths are all taught in close proximity to one another.
Laboratory space was located so that noxious fumes can be ventilated away from public areas, the art classroom has views across the school yard and outdoor play areas.
Didsbury High School’s campus includes a sports hall and fitness suite, a three-court multi-use games area, teaching spaces, performance hall, learning resource centre and special educational needs facility.
Catherine Mulley, director of Pozzoni Architecture, said: “In designing any school, we’re not only trying to create functional and inspiring learning spaces, but also places that offer a positive social experience. This new building is already providing a unique pupil experience, which will only be enhanced through further intakes in the coming years.
“This tight site, with a busy main road nearby, called for a creative approach to design – to make best use of the limited space available for outdoor activities. The elevated roof terrace was incorporated into our designs as a dedicated area for sixth form pupils, ensuring everyone can enjoy open space as the school continues to grow.”
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