Former Olympians Diane Modhal and Paula Dunn Thomas joined pupils and staff for the official opening of the brand new £7.3m Varna Community Primary School in Openshaw, Manchester.

The new school - which replaces the original Manchester Board School built in 1896 - is a two storey building with 12 classrooms, plus a dedicated music room, ICT suite, and Foundation Stage. There is also a large hall, separate dining area, sport / performing arts changing facilities, a brand new kitchen, and office space.

External features of the new school include a multi use games area marked out for football, netball, and basketball; play equipment including a fitness trail and climbing wall; and a five-a-side football pitch with synthetic grass. In addition to outdoor sports facilities the new school also has outdoor learning spaces including a habitat area with seating for a whole class group, with an investigation table, a bird hide and a feeding station; and a canopy covered music garden.

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The building also incorporates a glazed viewing gallery over the hall with an exposed steel truss to show the children how different materials and building components come together to form a unique feature.

One of the many environmental elements of the building is a green sedum roof which helps with rain water retention. The roof has a viewing terrace built into it for pupils to use as part of their learning.

Staff, governors, and pupils of the school, which achieved 'Outstanding' in its last Ofsted inspection, were fully involved in the design of the new school building and surrounding landscaped areas.

(CD)