Frank Wise School project in final push ahead of new build

A charity group set-up by the Frank Wise School is launching a final push to raise funds for essential equipment as staff and pupils prepare to move in to a new £2 million building.

The Friends of Frank Wise have increased the original fundraising target for the ‘Griffiths Centre Fund’ to £120,000 to include a canopy which will extend the use of the wheelchair accessible outdoor decking.

The external space comprising decking and a canopy will cost up to £40,000 and£27,000 respectively, and the school are continuing to fundraise to cover these costs.

Sean O’ Sullivan, headteacher, is encouraging people to get involved in the effort, not just by donating money but also by considering funding specific items.

He said: “We have drawn up a ‘wish Iist’ of a variety of items, large and small, general and specialist. This includes anything from cutlery for the teaching kitchen that might cost as little as a few pounds, through to mobility equipment that can cost as much as £2,500 to support a student getting into a standing position.”

The school are using existing funds that have been raised through the charity to furnish and equip the Griffiths Centre with essential specialist tables, chairs, kitchen equipment and mobility aids which will mean that all students can benefit from the new facility.

It is being constructed for Oxfordshire County Council, is scheduled to be handed over to the school in April.

Mr O’Sullivan added, “It is really motivating to see this vital new building approach completion. There will be so many extra facilities and experiences available, not only for our students but also for the wider community.

We are now on the last lap and I cannot wait to invite everybody connected with this tremendous step forward for the school, to attend a grand opening ceremony in due course.”

Visit http://frankwise.oxon.sch.uk/friends-of-fws/ for more details.