Camden New Journal - News: Transformation

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Camden New Journal - by RICHARD OSLEY
Published: 20 September 2007

In the new studios: Sarah Brown with, left, Sophie Kelleher, 12, and Gabby Hayward, 12

Visitor from No10 salutes her old school’s £3m transformation

PRIME Minister’s wife Sarah Brown marvelled at her old school’s new performing arts block during a visit this week and then told the headteacher: “Now change the sports kits”.
Ms Brown popped down from Downing Street to tour the new £3.3 million building at Acland Burghley School in Tufnell Park on Tuesday morning.
She met pupils in the sound-proofed music studios and watched performances in the new hall.
“When I was here the performing arts department was squeezed into a room just past the metalwork class,” she said. “It was a triumph of spirit over the facilities at the school.
“These new facilities will inspire the next budding Ms Dynamites [a former Acland Burghley pupil].”
The opening of the new block follows improvements to the school’s sports facilities, including the laying of Astroturf for football.
Headteacher Michael Shew said: “Sarah looked at the sports pitches and said: ‘I see the sports kits haven’t changed yet.’ I like them but I get parents telling me to change them all the time.”
Mr Shew was full of praise for the new performing arts block.
“Providing young people with the opportunity to express themselves through the performing arts – whatever their talents – is a vital, but not always recognised, part of a well-rounded education,” he said.
“I passionately believe the self-confidence, self-belief and personal fulfilment that can develop through active participation in the performing arts play a vital role in developing happier, fulfilled young people.”

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