| The revamped school — built under the £90 million public private partnership scheme that has seen the construction of eight new schools in Dundee — received the official seal of approval during a visit to the city by Mr Salmond.
Following the official ceremony, the First Minister then had the opportunity to tour the school and see the impressive facilities — including the new library and modern classrooms.
The Grove Academy replacement is the last facility to be constructed under the PPP programme, which also included Claypotts, Craigowl, Downfield, Fintry, Rowantree and St Andrew’s primaries as well as St Paul’s Academy.
The ceremony to officially open the school, with a history dating back 120 years, featured musical contributions from pupils as well as the unveiling of a plaque by Mr Salmond.
He said, “The Scottish Government is committed to working with every local authority to delivery better schools for our young people now and in the future.
“New and innovative school buildings such as those here at Grove Academy can stimulate pupils’ interest in education, while giving them enhanced opportunities to learn.
“We should be celebrating the fact children are moving out of sub-standard accommodation into such fantastic facilities as this.”
Dundee City Council education convener, Councillor Liz Fordyce, said, “Everyone associated with Grove Academy is delighted the First Minister agreed to open the school.
“Pupils and staff are enjoying these new facilities in a secondary which is at the heart of its community.
“Grove has put on a colourful celebration to mark an exciting new chapter in the school’s long history and this day will long be remembered by everyone who took park.”
The school boasts a new assembly hall, sports hall, gym hall, dance studio, fitness suite and 25-metre six-lane swimming pool.
The leisure facilities will be open to the public from April 3.
Mr Salmond was taken on a tour of the school beginning with the technical department where he mingled with the pupils watching as they took him through the creation of wooden tables and chairs.
He then visited the library where he was shown the fruits of the pupils projects on the street children of Bolivia and a partnership between Grove and the Meru Boys’ School in Kenya.
Accompanying Mr Salmond on his tour was Lord Provost John Letford, councillor and leader of the administration Ken Guild and councillor Liz Fordyce, education convenor. |
