School to open new centre

A new £800,000 computer centre will be opened at a Stafford school next week.

Sir Graham Balfour High School will unveil its DAC Learning Resource Centre on Tuesday.

It is named after the school's recently retired deputy headteacher Dave Clarke, who was a firm favourite amongst students, staff and parents for many years.

He will be guest of honour at the event and will officially open the new computer and library suite. The centre includes the latest flat screen computers, with a separate section housing six computers for use by members of the local community during the day. There is also a huge, updated range of books, plus a leisure area for pupils - complete with leather sofas and a large flat-screen television.

Delighted

Assistant headteacher Lesley Beck said she was very proud of the new facility, which had become the "centrepiece" of the school. She said: "We have been planning the new centre for more than a year and are delighted with the final results. We have already been in discussion with local businesses with regard to offering training courses to their staff.

"We are also looking forward to welcoming in members of the local community to share in our good fortune, and use the facilities we have available."

The opening of the centre coincides with celebrations for the first anniversary of Sir Graham Balfour being awarded specialist status as a maths and computing school.

On Tuesday, guests will be shown around the school in North Avenue to see the new resources on offer and find out about work carried out by students during the past year.

She urged anyone interested in the adult and family learning courses to ring 01785 223490 or e-mail Laura Ashton at lashton@sirgrahambalfour.staffs.sch.uk