Pupils bury memories in new teaching block

Students at an East Yorkshire secondary school have buried their memories in the foundations of a new block.

The £2.5m facility at South Hunsley School, in Melton, supports biodiversity and environmental goals, East Riding of Yorkshire Council said.

Young people gained hands-on experience and created memories and drawings to bury in the building to remind future students of the importance of school community.

Headteacher Michaela Blackledge said: "Students have been involved with different aspects of the build from visiting the site to speaking to the architect, and have learnt what goes in to designing and building."

The council said the two-storey building's design maximises natural light, improves energy efficiency and ventilation, and creates an uplifting environment that enhances the student learning experience.

Ms Blackledge added: "There is no doubt that a building like this will inspire students and staff.

"Teaching staff from the English department have begun moving in and they are overjoyed by the new teaching facility."

As part of the 38-week construction project, Year 12 and 13 pupils gained hands-on experience both on-site and in the construction offices leading to a construction apprenticeship for one student.

More than 240 Year 9 pupils explored the live construction site, inspiring the next generation to consider careers in construction.

The facility was given £1m funding from the council, in line with the Brough South Development planning application. The South Hunsley project is part of a wider commitment of local investment in education and infrastructure.

Councillor Victoria Aitken, cabinet member for children, families and education, said the new block is a "great example of how communities and educational infrastructure can benefit from new housing development".

Listen to highlights fromHull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look Northor tell us about a story you think we should be coveringhere.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices