STUDENTS have been designing the future at Marlwood School.

Two Bridges Academy which was designed in collaboration with the Department for Education, Enable Trust and HLM Architects is currently under construction by Bristol based ISG Construction.

The net zero carbon school will accommodate for the needs of up to 112 pupils aged between 2–19 years old who have severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning difficulties, and autistic spectrum disorder. It will be sited next to Marlwood School in Alveston, which will be ideal for shared opportunities, inclusion and strengthening community.

The school will be part of Enable Trust, who provide the highest standards of education, care and opportunity in line within their core vision of “working together passionately to achieve the best outcomes for our SEND children and young people” in all their schools.

The shared opportunity programme has already started, as since December last year, Sculptor Rob Olins and Marlwood Art Teacher Nina Stevenson have been working with the 7, 9 and 10 year students from Marlwood School.

The brief was for the Marlwood students to design a sculpture for the New Two Bridges Academy main reception that can be accessible to everyone, especially for those who may not be able to see, hear or move very well.

The Marlwood students rose to the challenge and have produced 12 maquettes, samples and even furniture designs.

Rob Olins will take this forward by using the students designs to inspire the final artwork, which will be installed in readiness for the opening of the New Two Bridges Academy, in September this year.