PUPILS could be in the new Harris Academy by the end of next month — as council chiefs plan a “soft opening” for the £32 million Dundee school.
The Perth Road facility will officially open when the new term starts in August, but S4, S5 and S6 youngsters could start attending the school by May 30.
The building is in the final stages of being completed by contractors, the Robertson Group, before being handed over to the city council.
Harris pupils have been based at the former Rockwell High School during the work, while pupils from the soon-to-close Menzieshill High School will also attend the new Harris.
Councillor Stewart Hunter (pictured), convener of the children and families services committee, said: “It’s certainly the plan to have a soft opening for S4 to S6 on May 30. We should know very shortly if this will go ahead. We’re doing work with the bus companies to ensure there are transport options in place as a temporary solution. Once confirmed, we can make plans.
“The senior school pupils are going to be working together once the school opens so it’s important for them to get together, and get to know each other, as soon as possible.
“Bringing them together now, from the start of the new curriculum, will help for next year.
“It also gives us an opportunity to test and check everything is as it should be for the new year.
“We’re going to be taking possession of the school from the contractors in the next few weeks.
“They’re just checking that everything’s in place at the moment.
“Everything is on schedule and I see no reason for a delay — credit to the contractors, it’s on time.”
However, the pupils involved will be given the chance to bid farewell to their former schools and classmates before the summer break.
Mr Hunter said: “The plan is for S4 to S6 to start together at the new school on May 30 for a few weeks and then, for the final week of school, they will go back to their former schools to finish.
“This is so that they’re able to say goodbye, particularly for the Menzieshill students, and join in the end-of-school events. Everyone’s just so incredibly excited now and looking forward to the opening.”
