A new building project can be a daunting task, especially when initial costs start to spiral and expansion plans are potentially at risk.
Derby High School were facing a difficult task. Having outgrown their existing facility as a result of a 40% rise in their school roll, they needed to expand to cater for their growing numbers, but the project needed to come in on budget and with no unexpected costs.
One of our very recent projects is nearing completion. We asked Amy Chapman, Head of Derby High School, to share her experience of working with us on their exciting new project.
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How did you meet Modulek?
I first met with Modulek, at the Society of Heads Conference, which was held in March 2023 in Cheshire.
What was the project?
We had outgrown our dining hall and were looking for a solution where our whole school community could eat together. It’s such an integral part of the school day, it was important we found a solution which could be enjoyed by everyone.
Since we have become fully co-educational, we have also expanded our sport offering. As part of this project, we were looking to have new courts and changing facilities, which would also enhance the overall experience for our students.
Can you put into words what the initial conversations meant to you, and whether it gave you hope that your project might be able to be rescued?
Yes, it definitely gave us hope. Modulek were very supportive of all our ideas. We had a list of requirements, and they were very quick to propose a solution and help us see how we could expand our facilities quickly.
How did Modulek get your construction project back on track?
They took our ideas, listened to us, responded very quickly and gave us a proposal we knew would be a wonderful addition to our school within our budget. We are very happy and excited to have this new building in the heart of our school which everyone will benefit from!
Chis Moore became our key contact, who we cannot thank enough! Chris took our ideas and made them into a reality. We are extremely thankful of his support, creativity and professionalism.
It has felt like a partnership throughout the whole project. We have felt listened to, supported and reassured.
How has the construction process been for you and your school?
Throughout the project we have been impressed with how Modulek has always considered the needs of the school. The building work has been planned with this in mind and created minimal disruption to the day to day running of our school.
No request has been too much! We have been delighted how the process has gone. We even integrated the construction within our learning and used it as a real life case study for some students. Our Business students went on a trip to see the manufacturing of the modular units in the factory in Hull and our Pre-School visited the site and were able to watch the diggers as they created our new car park!
Are the staff and pupils looking forward to moving into their new building?
Yes, we are very excited about moving into our new dining hall. We have been updating students with photographs regularly in assembly, and parents have received updates in our weekly newsletter.
Everyone has been able to witness the construction from beginning to end. We are now looking forward to our events in the summer term and being able to invite parents and alumni to enjoy the wonderful new facility.
If you could give any advice to other schools who may be in the situation that you were in, what would it be?
We would recommend speaking to the Modulek team, you will not be disappointed!
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