IT WAS the end of an era for two Dunfermline schools recently as pupils were piped out of their respective buildings for the very last time.

A new chapter for both Woodmill and St Columba's High schools will begin in August as both move to their own respective new homes on the Dunfermline Learning Campus.

Both schools, dating back to the 1960s, have been deemed as not fit for purpose and are set to be bulldozed with purpose-built facilities awaiting pupils and staff on the Halbeath site when the new school term begins.

In recent years, pupils and staff have had to negotiate the upheaval that the coronavirus pandemic brought with it which came soon after the devastating blaze that struck Woodmill High in August 2019.

The fire at Woodmill HighThe fire at Woodmill High (Image: David Wardle)

Described as on of the biggest fires in Scotland that year, more than 80 firefighters and 15 fire appliances worked at the scene which led to students having to be housed at a variety of temporary homes over the next year.

It was 430 days before the final pupils, from the Department of Additional Support (DAS), returned to the building so all students and staff were eventually all back under the same roof.

Having gone through the fire and the subsequent covid lockdown, Woodmill's headteacher, Sandy McIntosh, has had an eventful time a the school since being appointed in 2012.

"I live in the catchment for Woodmill High School and I've seen both of my children coming through the school," he said.

Woodmill High after the fire in 2019.Woodmill High after the fire in 2019. (Image: David Wardle)

"Our community has seen some turbulent times over the past few years, with the fire of 2019, followed by Covid, being a particular challenge for all of our young people and their families.

"The thing that stands out the most for me is the sense of loyalty that there is for Woodmill. We have a strong community, and young people who have proved their ability to be resilient and overcome the challenges that are put in their way."

Ready to move into the new build, Mr McIntosh is excited about the challenges ahead and the chance to make more new memories in the new location.

"Our young people have demonstrated that they are some of the very best in Scotland, and I'm excited to see what we will achieve in our fantastic new school building," he added.

"As a school we are ambitious for our young people and know that the facilities that their new school will provide will give them a platform to do amazing things.

Woodmill High SchoolWoodmill High School (Image: David Wardle)

"I will be very sad to be leaving the 'Old' Woodmill on Shields Road, however I'm looking forward to a bright future in our new school building after summer."

Depute headteacher, Stuart Fraser, has worked at Woodmill since qualifying as a teacher in 2001.

"As I drove to the school for my first real day at Woodmill I was welcomed by the sight of the windows in my new classroom all boarded up, and to be told by the head of department that this was following pupil playing golf on the playing fields at the weekend!" he recalled.

"I was a little trepidatious on walking into my first class but once the pupils knew I was permanent, and there to stay, they made me welcome.

 

 

 

"Woodmill has been part of my life for almost 25 years and the bond – very evident in during and in the aftermath of the fire – between staff, former staff and pupils past and present is like a family.

"There are a number of staff and pupils who are no longer with us and I remember with fondness working with many of them, including Hugh Gallagher (my first PT) and Graeme Marshall who was such a central part of the life of the school and is still sorely missed.

"Looking forward, I know that leaving the old Woodmill will be hard but having a building that is truly fit for the 21st Century with the facilities that it will provide for the next 60 plus years, one that is environmentally able to cope with the future and support learning as it is now, rather than how it was in 1960, is really exciting."

St Columba's High SchoolSt Columba's High School (Image: Newsquest)

Mick McGee, headteacher of St Columba's, said they are "excited" about moving to the new facility after "55 wonderful years" at the Woodmill Road site.

"This transition marks a new chapter for our school, and we are eagerly looking forward to the opportunities and enhancements that our new space will provide, especially for our young people," he said.

"Our new building will feature state-of-the-art classrooms, advanced science and technology labs, a spacious learning lab, learning plaza’s, breakout spaces and, most notably, expanded and improved facilities for Physical Education. These upgrades will significantly enrich our students' educational experiences and support their physical and academic growth."

Mr McGee said it was also important to reflect on the "many fond memories" made in the old building.

"For over half a century, this space has been a second home to countless students, teachers, and staff members," he said.

"The memories and achievements made here will always hold a special place in our hearts.

"We understand that moving to a new location can be both exciting and challenging. Our dedicated team is working diligently to ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved.

"Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. We look forward to welcoming you to our new school building and creating many more cherished memories together."

 

 

Depute head Gerry Hughes is also looking forward to the move.

"After five years teaching in a Glasgow inner-city school, my first impressions of St C’s was of its environs – nestling in acres of its own sports grounds, set against the rural aspect of Calais Wood and farming land stretching from Linburn Road to the M90 miles in the distance.

"It was many years before the Hyundai “factory” and East Area Expansion and Health and Safety intervened to end the use of the panoramic flat roof vantage point for art, environment, and geography students – not to mention for some sun worshipping staff members as well!

"The building has undergone almost constant change since the original builders signed off in the sixties. But unchanging throughout has been the staff's dedication and students' enthusiasm."