The children at Burgess Hill School for Girls all celebrated a first birthday on November 5th.  Exactly one year ago, the girls and boys from the Nursery and infants classes dressed as Bob the Builder and stepped over the threshold into their new building, Little Oaks.

This year the children celebrated with a birthday assembly complete with balloons, a cake in the shape of a number one and birthday stickers for everyone.  The children also shared their opinions on the building.  Anna Bruell, Year 2, said the ‘magic taps’ were her favourite feature.  “The taps are magic because you only have to put your hands under them and the water comes out!”

Rosie Rayner, Year 1, said she is still impressed with the blinds on the ceiling which enables them to view the sky.  Madeleine Wallden, Year 2, commented on the extra space to play games and Eleanor Holdcroft, Year 2, said she liked the new building “because it is very modern”.

Miss Fulleylove, Head of the Junior School, thanked the children for giving the new building such a friendly atmosphere and emphasised that it is the children that make the school such a wonderful place to be.

Little Oaks is an energy efficient building which includes a Nursery reception, new girls and boys toilets decorated with brightly coloured fish and ‘magic taps’, nine classrooms with outdoor balconies, a light and airy library area and hall.  All the classrooms have electronic smartboards with projectors and the school was also able to purchase new furniture and extra play facilities.

“I like the way the lights hang down from high ceilings,” said Genevieve Howell, Year 2, while Lucy Meekings, Year 2, said “I like the way the smartboards move up and down!”

Little Oaks was officially opened last year by BAFTA award winner Curtis Jobling, author and animator of Bob the Builder.  The signed pictures he drew for the children last year, including his famous ‘Frankenstein's Cat’, now hang on the walls around Little Oaks for the children to enjoy.

A further development which was completed this September was the extended Junior School play area which now includes an adventure log trail and an outdoor classroom.

Celebrating Little Oaks’ first birthday in Little Oaks hall

05/11/09