Shadow Secretary for Education Andy Burnham officially opened Langworthy Wards Willow Tree Primary School.
The school – which has been open since September 2010 – is a state-of-the art facility including a market garden, integrated wi-fi, woodland and wildlife centre and even a pond.
The school has been built to replace Langworthy Road, Tootal Drive and Seedley Primary Schools.
However, the old schools from which the pupils have come have not been forgotten, with tributes such as a stained glass window from Langworthy Road Primary School being found within the building.
SalfordOnline spoke to some of the (very polite and well-mannered) schoolchildren who attend the school to find out what they like about their new building.
Mr Burnham said “Willow Tree is a great example of how a new school can quickly become integrated in the local community. The facilities it offers to children living in this part of Salford are excellent, combining advanced technology with outdoor learning. It is an honour to be invited along to officially open the school and see the benefits it has brought for local children.”
Councillor John Merry CBE, Leader of Salford City Council, said: “As we approach the end of the school’s first year, it is plain to see that this school is really enhancing this community, giving the children access to a whole host of facilities and opportunities that will give them a quality education and will really set them up for the rest of their lives.
“We only have to look along the road from this school to see what is possible for children in Salford. MediaCityUK has brought a whole host of new opportunities to the city and these children will be able to benefit from this in the future. Getting a good education at Willow Tree is just the start.”
Ros Munro, Head Teacher at Willow Tree, commented: “From the first day of opening, the children have always shown an enormous amount of pride in their school.
“The outside learning spaces form a major part of school. This is particularly important as many children do not have access to outside spaces in their homes.
“One of the most exciting things to happen this year was when two mallard ducks nested in the pond. We now have a family of four ducks living on the pond and students love feeding the ducks everyday.”
Thanks to Salfordonline for story.
