On Friday, Pembrokeshire College unveiled proposals for a £6.6 million Advanced Level (A-Level) Centre on its Haverfordwest campus. The new state-of-the art facility will support and promote inspirational teaching in sector leading learning environments, including new science laboratories, high quality sports facilities and vibrant classrooms. Learners will have access to state-of-the art learning technology and flexible delivery spaces giving them exceptional sixth form facilities.

Announcing the proposed major investment in education provision in the county, college principal Sharron Lusher commented: “By investing in an A-Level Centre, we are investing in the futures of the young people of Pembrokeshire and showing our commitment to providing the best educational opportunities possible, both now and in the future.

“In providing an A-Level Centre, we are also meeting our commitment to the Ysgol Bro Gwaun and Ysgol Dewi Sant communities in preparation for September 2017 when, subject to Ministerial approval, their sixth forms merge with the college’s A-level provision, under the leadership of an A-level committee, which will consist of school, college and local authority representation. This combined approach reflects the desire of the college, Ysgol Bro Gwaun and Ysgol Dewi Sant to offer learners the best possible opportunities to achieve their career ambitions.”

The planned development will comprise a two-storey new building on the campus, linked to the existing college, which will create an A-level Centre featuring high-tech laboratories, a sports hall and fitness suite, together with modern and spacious classrooms. A flexible learning hub will be in place as well as spaces for extra-curricular activities.

The location of the Centre will also enable A-level learners to access vocational qualifications should they wish, giving them the broadest possible choices to meet their preferred learning routes to higher education or employment.

The new build comes as a result of college A-level enrolments doubling in September 2015, with further significant increases planned in September 2017, following the proposed new arrangements with Ysgol Bro Gwaun and Ysgol Dewi Sant. This A-level Centre will be the largest provider of A-level qualifications in the county.

The new building will be to the south of the existing site and will join the lower ground floor laboratories and the ground floor teaching rooms. During the works, the college will also take the opportunity to remodel and improve the adjacent vocational areas, including hair, beauty and complementary therapies salons, create a new space for students with additional learning needs and improve the drama facilities.

The project will include the installation of a modern and spacious sports hall and a new state-of-the-art suite with fitness and cardiovascular equipment.

Investing in the latest technology, the A-Level Centre will enable learners to be inspired in tutor-led sessions, beyond that which is possible with traditional learning and teaching resources. The Centre, and the rest of the campus, will be equipped with state-of-the-art-learning technology, including a superfast wireless network for student devices, enabling learners to access their assignments and projects from anywhere within the college. Learners will also benefit from internet access which is 20 times faster than standard broadband.

In addition, learning spaces will be equipped with the latest interactive projectors which, at the swish of a finger on their tablets, will allow learners to share their work with the whole class for discussion and collaborative working. Learners will have access to iPads and laptops, video conferencing facilities and a free copy of Microsoft Office Professional Plus. These facilities and resources will develop learners to have the knowledge and the skills necessary for a world in which technology and collaborative working will play ever increasing roles.

“This is an extremely exciting time for both Pembrokeshire and Pembrokeshire College,” added Sharron Lusher. “The A-level Centre will provide a dynamic environment that will allow us to prepare our young people for the workplace or higher education. With almost 200 learners progressing to university last year, the Centre will become a valuable resource in helping even more learners to progress to some of the UK’s top universities.

“In planning the new build, we are also delighted to take the opportunity to improve some of our vocational facilities, ensuring that all students, whether they pursue academic or vocational subjects or both, have access to first class resources and facilities.”

A spokesperson for the trade unions commented: “The joint trade unions at Pembrokeshire College are excited to hear about the proposed £6.6million investment at the Haverfordwest campus. The local business community, together with vocational and A-level students, will benefit from the development which will improve the learning experience for many learners.”

The planned extension is subject to Welsh Government funding, obtaining relevant planning permissions and Ministerial approval. If approved, it is anticipated that the £6.6 million build will be funded partly through Welsh Government 21st Century Schools funding, and partly by the college.