Time capsule buried to mark opening of Marleigh Primary Academy
A time capsule was buried to mark the first week of the academic year for pupils at the new Marleigh Primary Academy.
The primary school, which is part of the Anglian Learning academy trust, is at the heart of the Marleigh development off Newmarket Road in Cambridge.
This event brought together all the parties involved in the creation and construction of the new school, along with members of the community.
Headteacher Mike Fish welcomed guests including the CEO of Anglian Learning, Jonathan Culpin, Cllr Stephen Ferguson, the chair of Cambridgeshire County Council, and senior representatives from Morgan Sindall Construction, RH Partnership Architects, the Hill Group, and Marshall Group.
Mr Culpin said: “As a trust, we have looked forward to this day for a long time. It has been a wonderful celebration of seeing our vision become a reality as Marleigh Primary Academy opened its doors to our pupils and their families.”
Mr Fish added: “The children thoroughly enjoyed participating in this joyous occasion. They really enjoyed thinking about what life will be like in 50 years time and were very creative in their contributions to go into the box.”
The time capsule included poems from pupils, items reflecting on the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year, a copy of the Cambridge Independent and mementos from the Hill Group and Morgan Sindall Construction.
Cllr Ferguson said: “As an engineer myself, I am delighted to celebrate the opening of a fantastic new school with a focus on STEM.”
The time capsule will be left untouched for 50 years when a future generation of pupils will uncover the interesting artefacts, rediscovering what life was like at the inception of the new school.
Pupils and teachers will be able to reflect upon the legacy that was created while continuing the shared vision to empower a community of inspired learners.
Jamie Shearman, Morgan Sindall Construction’s Cambridge area director, said: “It was a privilege to see so many stakeholders and members of the local community come together to celebrate this vital project’s completion.”
Deputy chief executive for the Hill Group, Greg Hill, added: “Marleigh offers much more than just a development of homes; we are very passionate about creating new communities and homes that will stand the test of time and this event has been a wonderful way to celebrate another important chapter at Marleigh with the opening of the school.”
Richard Howe, managing director, Marshall Group Properties, said: “We are delighted to see our shared vision for the Marleigh Primary Academy brought to life as the school takes its place at the heart of the new community, providing an exceptional learning environment for current and future generations of Marleigh children.”
Kevin Myers, director, RH Partnership Architects, explained: “The new school and nursery will offer an outstanding environment both indoors and outdoors to excite and engage children in their learning.”
