Prospectus
Opening of the new Graham Taylor Building
Official Opening, 9th November, 2007
At 4pm on Friday 9th November, 2007, a crowd of people gathered in the sixth form common room of the new building to celebrate its official opening. The building was to be named after the recently retired head of The Downs School, Mr Graham Taylor, OBE, a fitting tribute to a man who has contributed so much to the school.
Mr Taylor was present at the opening by the Lord Lieutenant for the Royal County of Berkshire, Mr. Philip Wroughton and was supported by people with varied connections to the school.
The present headteacher, Mrs Val Houldey, welcomed Mr Taylor back and expressed her pleasure at working in the building which had been only one of a series of improvements to the site which he had made during his headship. Mrs Browne, chair of the governing body during the erection of the building, spoke of the impact that Mr Taylor had had on the life of the school. When he first arrived at The Downs School in 1982, it was a small rural comprehensive with average academic results. Under his stewardship, it grew in size and standards until it is now one of the most successful schools in the country.
In response, Mr Taylor spoke in humorous terms about some of the difficulties which he had encountered with the project, such as the necessity of ensuring the protection both of some greater crested newts which have made their home in the school grounds for some years, and of the public footpath which runs through the school grounds. He spoke of his gratitude to those who had nominated him for his OBE at the end of his career, and also referred to the significant contribution made by the late Mrs Pam Evans, in whose memory a rose garden is to be planted.
The Graham Taylor building was then formally and cheerfully opened by the Lord Lieutenant for the Royal County of Berkshire, who commented on the positive start which the school has given to so many local children. Afterwards, head students James Mabbott and Beckie Smith spoke of their pleasure in the accommodation now provided by the new building, including the sixth form common room and computer suite, the staffroom, ICT, Maths, RE, Art and Geography teaching rooms, thanking him on behalf of all those in the school.
When formalities were over, visitors were offered a tour of the building by members of the student council. A small group of year 7 students interviewed some of those present; these were a mix of staff, pupils, governors, friends of the school, representatives from West Berkshire Council, and those who had been professionally involved in its erection. Teachers commented on the improved behaviour of students in their classes, which they attributed to the increased sense of space created, the large windows with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, the cleanliness and modernity of the new building. They spoke of the pride felt by staff and students alike in their working environment. When asked to comment on their favourite aspect of the building, answers focussed on a variety of things including the pleasant temperature, the electronic facilities, and even the woodwork around the doors!
‘It doesn’t feel like a school!’ was the most ambiguous of compliments, but was intended as one nevertheless!
