9:10am Friday 19th March 2010
By Monique Simpson
THE Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral unveiled a new sports centre and teaching block at an academy in North Finchley last week.
The Wren Academy, in Warnham Road, celebrated the opening of its new indoor sports facilities and classrooms by inviting the Right Revd Graeme Knowles to conduct a service and unveil a plaque on Friday.
The pupils showed their talents during the service through music and a gymnastics routine before the Dean formerly dedicated the buildings.
Principal Michael Whitworth said: “The students were great, as they always are, and they showed pride in the school.
“The Dean got it just right. It was an inspiring, challenging, and warm contribution from him.”
The Academy, which opened two years ago, is sponsored by the Diocese of London Board for Schools and Berkhamsted School, and teachers hope the new facilities will allow them to cover a wider curriculum in the fields of sports, art and technology.
Mr Whitworth added: “The design of the building is unique and exciting because we were able to have partners, architects, and designers to set it right.”
Marisa Muramatsu, a Year 8 sports leader, said: “When it was raining, we could not do PE, so we had to sit inside.
“Now it is a good change to play sports inside as well as outside.”
The main building is scheduled to be completed in May ready for a new intake of Year 7 pupils in Septemnber.
Community groups will also be able to use the facilities.
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