Although the project is still in its early stages, the designs for a new £14m Campus have been released to give local people an idea of what the future of further education in the Forest of Dean could look like.
The 7,200 sq m site would be built to high energy efficient standards and provide a new centre for academic and vocational further education. The designs consist of three distinct, but complementary elements, which include a vocational training college, a sixth form centre and a central hub providing dining, social and teaching functions for the college and the wider community.
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Located at the heart of the Cinderford Northern Quarter regeneration project, the plans show for the first time what the proposed independent sixth form college, jointly developed and run by Gloucestershire College and Dene Magna School, might look like.
The sixth form impressions include the creation of contemporary learning spaces equipped with the latest ICT technology, as well as a 'touchdown zone'; an open plan stepped area suitable for large groups. Possible uses for this space would include lectures from visiting speakers, assemblies and film clubs.
The designs feature large panels of glazing which have been included to maximise the views over the adjacent lakes and surrounding forest, as well providing high levels of natural daylight and the opportunity to put teaching and learning on display externally.
Alongside A-Levels in the joint sixth form, vocational curriculum areas on offer at the new campus will include art, beauty and holistic therapies, business, catering, computing, construction and building services, hairdressing, health, care and early years, fashion, foundation studies, media, motor vehicle, music, outdoor adventure, photography and teacher training.
Subject to planning, work on the new sustainable campus is due to start in Spring 2014 and scheduled to be completed by August 2015.
(CD/JP)
