The college required a range of new buildings which were attractive, functional, durable and easily maintainable which provided a pleasant learning and working environment accessible to all. The scale of the new project had a considerable impact on the campus and provided an opportunity to consider access, linkage and clarity of circulation of the campus as a whole. In particular, the design considered the use and design of external as well as internal spaces. In (re)organising these spaces the design provided clear and legible circulation spaces and welcoming social spaces to encourage interaction between staff, pupils and visitors so vital in an institution of the size of the School. The principal extension is two-storey and houses the relocated Science department on the first floor and Media, Refectory and Auditorium on the ground floor. It is linked at both ground and first floor levels to the existing main school and the relatively new Humanities building and adds to the school circulation. Due to the imbalance of floor areas the design provided natural and generous first floor overhangs creating ?cloister? walkways, continuing the design ethos of external covered circulation and social spaces. The Refectory decanted from the existing building and was positioned at the end of the new main social square and along with a large feature canopy construction creates a focal as well as functional stop end to the open space. A new auditorium terminates the South elevation of the new extension. This south elevation was very important as it is seen across the fields from the bypass. The auditorium is a double height, simple, strong form which acts as both a termination of linear form of the existing classroom block and a sculptural element related to the scale of the fields beyond. The teaching areas wrap between these two anchor points, creating a secondary smaller social court for student displays and social gathering. To address the scale and bulk of the extension a metal standing seam roof system was proposed allowing a low pitch which related to the existing parapet height of the existing main school. The form, style and proportion of the fenestration takes it lead from the existing main block ? large glazed openings with windows in coated aluminium of narrow section to mimic the existing ?crittal? windows. Circulation was rationalised with generous central corridors and teaching spaces each side. A central roof lantern allows natural light into the centre of the building and subsequently internal windows allow borrowed light into the rear of the deep plan classrooms. External and internal signage again aids circulation and provides a sense of space and topographical points for students Three minor satellite extensions were also designed located at the existing respective departmental buildings, their forms matching the existing buildings ? Art & Home Economics, Physical Education and Drama. The final and intrinsic part of the proposals was the removal of an existing classroom at the end of the internal ?street? in the main school, providing a new access to the new heart of the school ? the main court. After a successful tender process ISG Jackson appointed a Design Team and the Practice was appointed to provide architectural services under a Design & Build Contract Solution The Design Team adopted a steel frame building with piled foundations, to address the deep classroom plans and the large number of external openings. Internally materials were chosen to address acoustic issues in accordance with Building Bulletins and Building Regulations, with an Acoustician providing detailed advice. Underfloor heating and energy efficient mechanical heat recovery systems were designed and installed by the M&E Engineers and provided throughout the building with duct runs either exposed or encased in a manner that the students can visualise the system(s). All Classrooms benefit from an interactive whiteboard, energy efficient lighting and sensors for the control of the mechanical systems. Perimeter benching is installed in a number of the Classrooms for computers including perimeter trunking with data points. Specification of fixtures and fittings is minimised to assist in reduced maintenance and repair. PDG Architects produced setting out and assembly details, liaising direct with other Design team Members as well as specialist consultants during the contract period. The timescale and budget was extremely tight and challenging and various value engineering measures were undertaken to complete the project. The School occupied the building in February 2009