Finally we are going up and not just digging down!

The project is currently focussed on the ‘reduced dig’ to create the right level for the foundation slabs and the shaping of the embankment. The gabion cages (or baskets) are being put together at a fair rate of knots. The contractors have set the bottom row at an angle of 6 degrees and then carefully hand packed the front face of each basket, before tipping the stones in behind. Once they are all in place, a drain will be installed behind the baskets and the gap between the mud face and the cages will be backfilled. The remaining embankment will be covered in a top anchored membrame and then covered in top soil. These walls are often one of the last things built on a project, but because of the scale of the excavation, we need the walls secured before we go any further.

The art department would be proud of the clay on site - it really does feel like you could just throw a pot with it.  The digger bucket leaves great patterns and it is fascinating looking at the different colours and textures in the soil.

Whilst containing the mud has been difficult, the quantity being removed has now slowed markedly, and the bulldozer driver has been working flat out to the spread the soil in the paddock and level it off.  I think he probably has one of the best locations in the School to work from currently. The view is stunning and the sunsets this week have been lovely. He has been working incredibly quickly and has now got the field flattened and is now finessing the finish.

Whilst this is all going on, the rest of the site is being used for sport as normal, with the junior boys using the pitches above the build. These pitches are also used once a week by the pupils of Kingham Primary School, who visit KHS as part of the Community Football Partnership. The final photograph was taken after early morning swim training (for pupils not staff!). I always thing the site looks at its most stunning early in the morning and at dusk. 

Cat Thompson and Nanci Austin