State-of-the-art STEAM Academy officially opened
21/10/2021Bridgend College is delighted to announce the official opening of its state-of-the-art STEAM Academy; an exciting new building to accommodate teaching, learning and support facilities for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).
The building opened its doors to students in September and was officially opened by the Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles MS, as part of a launch ceremony on Thursday 21 October. The ceremony was attended by Members of the Senedd, the Mayor and Mayoress of Bridgend County Borough, alongside Councillors, the College’s Board of Governors and various stakeholders from the local and wider community.
The Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, said:
“I was really pleased to visit the STEAM Academy today and see how our 21st Century Schools and Colleges Programme is being used to create fantastic learning and working spaces to support the key skills of our future workforce.
“I wish all the students and staff here at Bridgend College all the best in their new facility.”
Jeremy Miles
The project has been partly funded by the Welsh Government through its 21st Century Schools and Colleges Programme. This aims to transform the learning experience of students, ensuring they are taught in classrooms and workshops with the technologies and facilities needed to deliver a 21st Century curriculum.
Bridgend College Principal and Chief Executive, Simon Pirotte OBE, said:
“These facilities help to raise aspirations, enhance learning experience and deliver excellent teaching environments where our students can thrive and grow. We wanted to create inclusive spaces where our staff and students feel a sense of pride and belonging; spaces where people can truly be all that they can be.”
Simon Pirotte OBE
The Academy is more than just an educational establishment, offering many benefits to the local community. These include evening and weekend adult learning as well as café facilities for public use. A multi-purpose lecture hall and conference facilities will be available for hire in a bid to support businesses in the local and wider community.
Bridgend College Chair of Governors, Paul Croke, commented:
“The ground-breaking STEAM Academy at our Pencoed Campus will ensure that Bridgend College continues to embrace our aspirational goals for staff and students. This new facility will enable us to achieve the highest standards of teaching, learning and support for learning. This is an extraordinary facility and one that the College staff and students deserve after several years of outstanding achievements. Well done to everyone who made this exciting initiative happen!”
Paul Croke
