A MULTI-THOUSAND pound make-over at the John Masefield High School is now underway, and the school will use the extensive refurbishment as a basis for tutorials.

The school was awarded £706,873 last spring from the Education Funding Agency to improve the condition of the ageing school buildings.

A school spokesman said: "The money will enable us to carry out major improvements works to our main school block. The work will include replacing fire doors, installing new windows and making improvements to the outside fabric of the building. Not only will this lead to a better and safer working environment for students and staff it will also increase our energy efficiency."

But the re-vamp, set to be completed in the spring, will also lead to student involvement in the process, including tutorials.

The school spokesman said: "Students will be involved in choosing materials for the block and Malvern Scaffolding will be giving tutorials to students on scaffolding and site safety."

The spokesman added: "We are delighted that work has commenced on the major refurbishment programme. Plans have been on display at school for several weeks now and the students have been excited to see the paper plans being turned into a reality. Malvern Scaffolding are busy erecting a safe working structure for the contractors, Owen Pell Ltd.

"We are pleased that we are using local suppliers to carry out this work and look forward to showing members of the local community the finished block."

The spokesman added: "Each classroom in the main block will be out of action for four days and alternative classrooms are planned."

The main block of the John Masefield High school dates back to the 1960s.