Pembrokeshire College’s plans for a £6.6 million Advanced Level (A-Level) Centre on its Haverfordwest campus have been unanimously approved and Morganstone have been appointed as the preferred contractor for the new build.

The new state-of-the art facility will support and promote inspirational teaching in sector leading learning environments, including three additional science laboratories, high quality sports facilities and vibrant classrooms. Learners will have access to state-of-the art learning technology and flexible delivery and study spaces giving them unrivalled sixth form facilities within Pembrokeshire.

Work is set to begin on site in July 2016 with the A-level centre being ready for learners from September 2017 offering learners a much broader range of A-Level subjects enhancing their learning experience even further.

Following the planning approval, college principal Sharron Lusher commented: “What we are proposing represents a huge investment in education in Pembrokeshire. Our new A-Level Centre will benefit not only A-Level learners, but also a large number of vocational learners and builds on our commitment to providing the best educational opportunities possible, both now and in the future for the young people of Pembrokeshire.”

The development will comprise a two-storey new building linked to the existing college building. The centre will feature three high-tech laboratories, a large sports hall and state-of-the-art fitness suite, together with modern and spacious classrooms.

A flexible eLearning Centre will be in place for those Ysgol Bro Gwaun and Ysgol Dewi Sant learners wishing to access their learning remotely.

David Haynes, headteacher of Ysgol Dewi Sant, was delighted with the news saying he was looking forward to learners from the St. Davids peninsula being able to access these cutting edge facilities as part of the hub and spoke model for post-16 education from 2017 onwards.

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

The college will also take the opportunity to remodel and improve the adjacent vocational areas, including hair, beauty and complementary therapies salons.

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. Equipped with state-of-the-art-learning technology, including a superfast wireless network for student devices, learners will be able 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 allowing 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.

In addition, re-modelling of the existing learning facilities will take place over the summer resulting in a new drama studio and enhanced facilities for learners with Additional Learning Needs which will be ready for when learners return to college this September.

“This is an extremely exciting time for both Pembrokeshire and Pembrokeshire College. This new A-Level centre will be the largest provider of A-Level qualifications in the county, delivered within an innovative model involving two schools, and will provide a dynamic environment that will collectively allow us to prepare our young people for the workplace or higher education,” added Sharron Lusher.