 It is hoped the new site with help improve exam results |
A struggling secondary school has opened its new �15m home to pupils. Endeavour High School, in Hull, boasts a state-of-the-art swipe card system, drama studio, modern IT suite, electronic notice boards, interactive whiteboards and even a climbing wall.
The 1,200-pupil school is the first to be opened in the city for 20 years and it is hoped the new high-tech surroundings will help boost academic performance.
Last year 16% of candidates achieved five A* to C passes in their GCSEs - well below the national average of 46.7% for state comprehensives.
Headteacher David Throp was involved in designing the new building and said: "I wanted an environment that would inspire learning throughout the day.
"The building can help improve standards, but we also need committed staff, teachers, and parents."
 Headteacher David Throp hopes the building will inspire learning |
The swipe card system will be used to monitor pupil and staff attendance and allow pupils to pay for school lunches in the canteen. But despite the installation of closed-circuit television cameras both inside and outside the school Mr Throp insists big brother is not watching.
He said: "This is not a prison. Every child swipes into every room.
"It's a safety system for children so we know where they are.
"It's about keeping tabs on the children but not being oppressive."
Chairman of the school governors councillor Daren Hale added: "The young people in this area are going to have the best facilities in the country.
"This is vision becoming reality."