By Emily Parsons

Last updated at 16:03, Saturday, 23 June 2012

An academy has been rewarded for being at the forefront in architectural design.

Morton academy

The Richard Rose Morton Academy, in Wigton Road, Carlisle, took two awards at the regional Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) Awards.

It was praised for the way its design “underpins the teaching methodology” and allows for flexibility.

The academy was named as one of five winners of the RIBA North West Seven Cities Award 2012, as well as taking the title of RIBA North West Client of the Year Award 2012.

The second accolade highlighted the close working relationship between the Richard Rose Federation and architects BDP.

Katie Robinson, headteacher of the academy, travelled to Leeds to receive the awards. She said: “I personally was honoured to have this opportunity, not for me, but because Morton has had a bit of a turbulent education history.

“For them to be promised something and for it to be delivered and be the iconic building it is, makes me so proud to be involved and for it to be such a legacy.

“But it is not just about Morton; it is an icon to be applauded and for it to be the best new education building built in the North West is fabulous for our community and for Carlisle.”

Ms Robinson added: “The pride I felt was just tremendous – for it to be acknowledged by people who do this for a profession is wonderful.

“Our architect team worked so closely and so positively with us, and have been involved with the entire staff and students and they had a real proactive iterative process.”

The building placed an emphasis on flexibility, and includes moving walls and interlocking spaces to extend learning.

Judges praised the design, saying: “Instead of enclosed corridors, all circulation spaces open to the central atrium, reinforcing the connection between pupils and staff, and reducing bullying.”

The Richard Rose Federation has been in and out of the news through its exam results, Ofsted inspections and job losses.

However, as the finances finally appear stable and the last of the redundancies are going ahead, the headteacher of the Morton academy believes the future is bright for her pupils.

“We said right from the beginning we wanted to make a difference for education in Carlisle, but particularly for us in Morton,” she insisted, “and it has made a difference; our exam results are increasing every year, more students are enrolling every year.

“It is just another opportunity to celebrate the journey we have made and look towards a brighter future.”

First published at 08:56, Saturday, 23 June 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk