School 360 Opens at Sugar House Island
Innovative new Primary School, School 360, has opened its doors at Sugar House Island, with an initial intake of reception students from the local area. Operated by the Big Education Trust, the school will join sister school, the Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ School 21, in Stratford.
The new building has been carefully designed to support the school’s unique curriculum which is based on three pillars: developing the head to provide rich knowledge and deep understanding; the heart to focus on wellbeing and relationships as well as the hands to encourage every child to learn about creativity, problem-solving and the arts.
Pupils will benefit from a green outdoor classroom, for reading and group activities, as well as a Forest School, Musical Walk and a Bike Parking Zone, containing a covered space for 58 bicycles and additional scooter spaces.
The roof top playground and multi-use games area (MUGA) offers a range of play and learning experiences with an outdoor classroom and theatre, open play space and Growing Gardens and Green Teaching Space.
Inside, the school offers students a variety of learning experiences and spaces with a ‘makerspace’ dedicated to arts and crafts, ‘Oracy stairs’ which offer informal seating and opportunities for students to share their voice and a flexible studio space designed for drama and oracy sessions.
The school also boasts a SEN-enhanced space to cater to students with specialist educational needs.
School 360 will be led by co-headteachers Andrea Silvain, who joins from School 21, and Sarah Seleznyov, formerly Director of London South Teaching School. As deputy headteacher of School 21, Silvain has a particular focus on arts and wellbeing, while Seleznyov has spent 20 years teaching children, teachers and school leaders.
Sarah Seleznyov, said: “We are delighted to launch School 360 this September. We look forward to welcoming children on their education journey – Reception children in 2020-21, and opening to younger children in subsequent years”.
Andrea Silvain, said. “Our new primary school is led by our values of courage, curiosity, kindness, responsibility, and joy, and will draw on the strength and expertise of the amazing creative community within Sugar House Island. By working together collaboratively we can think differently and learn together.”
The new school was designed by architects Penoyre & Prasad and constructed by Mid Group.
Andrew Cobden, MD of developer Vastint UK, said: “We are delighted that School 360 has opened at Sugar House Island and are thrilled to welcome the first generation of students and staff. The new school is an asset to local families and an integral part of the Sugar House Island community. As a people-centred neighbourhood, School 360’s values align with our mission to creative a thriving and sustainable community with creativity and wellbeing at its heart.”
