News Release Archive
EDUCATION/CULTURE--NEW HORTON SCHOOL TO BE AMONG BEST ----------------------------------------------------------------- Building one of the best schools in North America and working in partnership with the school and community were two themes highlighted during presentations today on the new Horton District High School, in Kings County. Education and Culture Minister Robbie Harrison brought representatives from the private sector partner - ACCESS Technologies - to Horton to share plans ACCESS is developing for the new school. School and community members got a first glimpse at some of the design and technology features being proposed, including artistic and athletic areas, community and social spaces, a cafeteria, telecommunications, and landscaping. ACCESS also outlined plans for consultation to ensure school and community involvement in creating the new Horton school. Mr. Harrison said the new school will be "unlike any other school in the country, or indeed in North America. Horton District High will be the focus of attention from coast to coast." Horton will have all the latest bells and whistles -- computers and big-screen video monitors in every classroom, telecom links with neighbouring schools, and links to global neighbours through the Internet. Students and teachers will be able to electronically access everything from encyclopedias to English literature without ever leaving where they are working or studying. Mr. Harrison said the technology is a backdrop to what is most important - the world-class education teachers will offer. "Teachers have already put a lot of thought into how technology can support learning. In music, for example, students can learn to write music with computers connected to electronic keyboards, interlinked directly with a laser printer." Technology will also support Horton as a comprehensive high school, so the interests and needs of all students are supported. Linkages with post-secondary institutions, Valley workplaces and the community should all be crucial parts of the mix. Benefits to neighbouring schools were also discussed. The ACCESS proposal states Horton can become a centre for distance and tele-learning for other schools. For example, the wealth of telecommunications resources at Horton, from the latest curriculum software to information databases, will be just as accessible to students at Kings County Academy, Cornwallis and other neighbouring schools. Mr. Harrison said ACCESS has proposed a design that reflects the strengths and beauty of the area. "As an example, the Annapolis Valley is becoming increasingly recognized for excellence in the arts. The proposed school design capitalizes on these strengths, focusing on an arts neighbourhood with a theatre-auditorium and exhibition facilities for the music, drama and fine arts programs. This would include an outdoor performance park, set off by an orchard and gardens." Students, who Mr. Harrison said are already known for their winning ways in sports, will also have athletic fields and better sports facilities, inside and outside the school. Architecturally-designed community spaces will be available for special community and school events -- with special display areas for artwork and school projects. Students will also have a cafeteria for the first time. As well, prevention, through the right design, maintenance and sophisticated ventilation and air handling systems, will mean a healthy environment for students and teachers to learn and work. Another benefit of public-private sector partnerships is the stimulation of private sector investment and jobs for Nova Scotians, the minister said. The ACCESS proposal predicts "80-person years" will be created in the on-site construction activities and many more in the supply and fabrication of materials off-site by local suppliers or manufacturers. The ACCESS proposal also states much of the work force will come from the surrounding communities. -30- Contact: Donna MacDonald 902-424-2615 trp Jan. 13, 1997 - 2:30 p.m.