Extension of the secondary school visited

A space-saving, modern solution for the extension of the Beckum secondary school has been created above the existing single-storey building, which can be reached via a lift and a staircase. The school, culture and sports committee has now inspected the extension. Deputy headmaster Alexander Wagner gave a tour of the new rooms, which have been available to the school since last autumn.

The building was constructed in solid construction and has a flat roof. The façade was designed analogous to the canteen opposite with a darker facing as well as grey fibre cement panels and exposed concrete. The building perfectly addresses the different needs of the school.

During the tour, the committee members took a look at the new premises. Thanks to generous window fronts, all rooms appear bright and modern. The classrooms are equipped with classic blackboards, but also with whiteboards and beamers. Pupils can store their teaching materials in lockers if needed.

The other equipment in the building also leaves nothing to be desired: The PC room impresses with state-of-the-art technology: "The colleagues from IT have really done a great job here," Alexander Wagner emphasised. The training kitchen offers several cooking islands with their own hot plates, sinks and ovens as well as an anteroom for theory. Two technical rooms are equipped with numerous devices, robust tables and, above all, material for processing.

A special highlight is also the Talent Company, a separate specialist room for career guidance. Here, pupils can find out about the possibilities of working life in a relaxed atmosphere. Local training companies also have the opportunity to introduce themselves to their potential young employees here.

Fire damage
In March 2020, the 1-storey existing building was severely damaged by a deliberately caused fire. In particular, the teaching kitchen, which had been extensively renovated in 2017, was completely destroyed. The adjacent dining room and the textile room were also damaged. The fire had an impact on the construction work that was ongoing at the time and the originally planned completion date.

In the subsequent renovation planning, a necessary restructuring of the 1-storey existing building could be taken into account. The screed and tiles in both teaching kitchens were renewed, and washbasins, windows and window sills that were no longer needed, as well as the curtained façade panels, were dismantled. The existing parquet floors were refurbished. Drywall work, especially acoustic ceilings, was renewed in all rooms. In addition, the building received new water and sewage connections and new electrical wiring.

The school
Currently, a total of 450 pupils in 20 classes attend the secondary school. The school started operating at the beginning of the 2013/14 school year.