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SHARROW SCHOOL, SHEFFIELD
Sharrow School lies in one of Sheffield’s most deprived areas and was borne out of a decision by Sheffield City Council to amalgamate junior and infant provision on the same site.
The ‘Sharrow Project’ was a regeneration forum which included Sheffield City Council, pupils, parents, teachers, local libraries and community workers on nearby estates. The main aim was that the school should be an asset for the community and that it must feel open and welcoming for the parents and the community.
In creating the best vision and brief for the project which would reflect the views of all parties, a lengthy consultation process took place, involving workshops and sessions with pupils, parents, teachers and the local community.
Focus was appointed as Project Manager to provide initial project recovery services. Subsequently we provided Project Management support for the pre contract phase to ensure the project was delivered to expectations.
Sharrow School has been cited as revolutionary. It is open plan, allowing different year groups and teachers to mix freely and learn from each other, every classroom has direct access to outside space, daylight and natural ventilation.
Sharrow School is also now Sheffield's greenest school, with a heating system powered by warmth coming up from deep in the earth, toilets flushed by rainwater - and a roof designed to replicate a meadow.. It is also a haven for birds and other kinds of wildlife.