Education Building Award for ‘pioneering’ Midlothian high school

Newbattle Community Campus in Midlothian has scooped an award at the Education Buildings Scotland Awards in the Technologies: Transforming Learning, Teaching and the Curriculum category.

The Newbattle Community Campus was delivered for Midlothian Council by its development partner hub South East, with Morrison Construction the main contractor.

Education Building Award for ‘pioneering’ Midlothian high school

(from left) Mark Davison (depute head teacher - Newbattle Community High School), Emma King, Karla King, Rachael Morton (all S6 pupils at Newbattle) and Tommy Lawson (education officer, Midlothian Council)

The successful submission highlighted how Newbattle Community High School, officially opened earlier this month by John Swinney, Deputy First Minister and cabinet secretary for education and skills, is a Digital Centre of Excellence that focuses on equipping young people with 21st century digital skills.



Pupils and staff from the school were also involved in the Education Building Conference, speaking about their experience during a session on new technologies and how they are transforming the approach to learning in the new building.

Midlothian Council’s cabinet member for education, Cllr Jim Muirhead, said: “We’re so proud and honoured the building is being recognised in this way, just weeks after its official opening. A Digital Centre of Excellence, the school building is an integral part of our vision to make sure all pupils, whatever their background, have the same learning opportunities.

“Young people from across Midlothian and beyond, therefore, will have the opportunity to study digital industries such as robotics, data science, informatics, digital marketing, graphic design, video and music production.  And all in within an inspiring hub of innovation.”

Paul McGirk, hub South East’s chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to have worked in partnership with Midlothian Council to deliver its first Digital Centre for Excellence and it’s fantastic that this new facility has been recognised in the technologies category at this year’s Education Building Scotland Awards.



“Over the course of the two day conference it’s been clear that the role of digital technology is key in transforming the young people’s learner journey moving forward and we’re proud that the Hub programme is successfully contributing to this.”

Eddie Robertson, managing director of Central Scotland, Morrison Construction, added: “This is a fantastic achievement for all those involved. The new campus, which opened earlier this year, is already helping to deliver a vital education experience and I know pupils, parents, staff and the wider community are delighted with the facilities.

“Excellent construction projects such as this are central to enabling communities to thrive and to make the most of their talents.”


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