From 75-seater passenger bus to primary school classroom
School children in Bristol were today joined by a senior government minister to welcome a new learning space – a disused double decker bus.
The 12-tonne vehicle, donated by First Bus in the West of England, has been transformed from a 75-seater passenger vehicle at the end of its life into an upstairs classroom and downstairs play and meeting space.
Earlier today, pupils at Blaise Primary and Nursery School in Henbury, Bristol, gave invited guests a tour of their new facility, including local MP and Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones, local education leaders and representatives from First Bus, which funded the project as part of its ongoing community work.
First Bus, working with international bus supplier Ensignbus, has converted the double decker into a 30-seater upstairs classroom with conference style tables to provide a more collaborative space where teachers can show and demonstrate to pupils. The existing seats have been preserved but repositioned so the classroom still retains a bus feel.
Meanwhile the downstairs area has been transformed into a meeting/play space, which can be used for pupils with more specialist needs, including those seeking a social, emotional space, or for meetings with parents and carers who prefer to talk with staff away from a traditional school setting.
The school also hopes to use the bus for pupil school council meetings, as well as more formal meetings, including with school governors and other external stakeholders.
Massimo Bonaddio, who is the Head Teacher at Blaise Primary and Nursery School and the Chair of the Primary Heads Association Bristol (PHAB), said: “We are so grateful for this exceptionally kind donation from First Bus, and for them spending the time to convert it into a classroom, play and meeting space.
“We’re really proud to be a school that strives to cater for all the children in our community. This space will provide us with a range of opportunities for teaching and meeting, and also provide a safe, alternative, space away from the main school, for example, should someone feel anxious about coming into a busy school environment.
“I’m not sure who is more excited about having this converted bus space on site, myself and staff team, or the pupils! It’s such an exciting addition to our school.”
The donation is part of an ongoing programme to upcycle old buses and support local community activities. Buses generally have a life expectancy of about 15 years, after which they are considered for donation, sold for further use to other companies, or preserved or sold to specialist salvage companies which are able to de-pollute, dismantle and recycle last parts of the vehicle, helping to sustainably supply materials, including for new buses.
Doug Claringbold, the Managing Director of First Bus in the West of England, said: “We’re very much a local company, run by local people which puts us right at the heart of local communities, and it’s great to see a little part of our company taking pride of place at Blaise Primary and Nursery School.
“As with all vehicles there comes a time when they reach the end of their life, so we couldn’t be prouder seeing this local double decker recycled and given a new lease of life for such a good cause. I know the pupils and teachers are going to love this new addition to their school.”
From time-to-time First Bus considers applications from local clubs, societies and schools to recycle disused buses. If you’re from within the First Bus West of England, Cymru or Worcester areas please email: bristolmarketing@firstbus.co.uk.