On Wednesday 12^th October Balcarras opened our latest facility—the wonderful £1.2 million Davidson Building. Initially built to cater for The High School Leckhampton, the building now houses the School of Business, Economics and Enterprise as well as providing accommodation for GLOW Maths and The Balcarras teaching School Hub. 

We decided to name the building in honour of Ian Davidson who has offered sterling service to this school since he joined in 1982—that’s 40 years and counting! 

Mr Burke gave a short speech at the opening ceremony which explained the history of the building and in particular thanked those who had worked so hard to make it a reality, in particular the Project Manager Jeff Arris. 

Mr Davidson has worked for Balcarras since 1982 (which in fact was 4 years before the school opened!) In his speech Mr Burke mentioned this incredible longevity but he also stressed that it was Mr Davidson’s character and personality that moved the school and its governors to name the building in his honour. After a few dignified words from the Guest of Honour the plaque was unveiled, and the building officially declared open.  

Although we celebrated the addition of a new facility, the event was a reminder that the school is built day by day by the people who work here and the students who learn here. That positive relationship between staff and students is very much what Mr Davidson has encouraged since he first joined the school 40 years ago. It is dedicated educators like Ian who continue to be the school’s most precious asset.