Pupils are marking building work at a city primary school by burying a time capsule.
Work is well under way at Kestrels’ Field Primary School, in Hamilton, where contractors are putting the finishing touches to a new building that will become the junior annexe for the school.
The work is being carried out at a site in Mundesley Road, close to the existing school premises in Maidenwell Avenue.
On Wednesday 14th October, pupils, governors and staff at the school buried a time capsule that included a picture drawn by three-year-old Shyam, the youngest pupil at the school, and a letter written by the oldest, 11-year-old Aaron.
Headteacher Jo Higgins said: “We’ve also included a school sweater, a set of 2015 coins and photographs of our new junior annexe, showing it from the start of work to almost finished. There will also be a Leicester Mercury, dated 14 October 14, tucked inside!
“Events like this one have really helped us all to get involved in these exciting plans for the future of our school.”
Once complete, the new annexe will increase the number of places at Kestrels’ Field from 420 to 840, helping to address a shortfall of pupil places in the Hamilton area.
The new building will have 16 classrooms, a hall, studio and learning resource centre. Outside will be a sports pitch and multi-use games area.
Cllr Sarah Russell, assistant city mayor responsible for children, young people and schools, who will attend the event, said: “Burying a time capsule isn’t just a legacy for future pupils to one day enjoy – it’s also a hugely memorable event for the children who are at the school today.
“This project is part of our wider £27m building programme to help increase capacity at our primary schools and ensure more families can get local school places.”Chris Flint managing director at G F Tomlinson Building, which is carrying out the work, said: “We’re delighted to be using our expertise to help Kestrels’ Field expand. This new building will create an enhanced learning environment that will be of great benefit to pupils and teachers alike.”
Pupils and teachers are due to move in to the new annexe at Kestrels’ Field in January 2016. Work started in January 2015.
