Sheffield's latest new school building in Parson Cross marks something of a milestone for the city - it's the first to emerge from the Government's ambitious Building Schools for the Future programme.
Education correspondent Mike Russell was given a guided tour by pupils:
WHEN you're putting together a new school, it's a good idea to make sure it's built to last.
Each shiny coat hook at Yewlands Secondary cost a tidy £25 - part of the £20 million construction and refurbishment project which is due to be completed by next summer.
It's details like that which count, according to headteacher Angela Armytage.
"This isn't a school which is being maintained by an outside contractor - we must look after it ourselves, so it is very important everything is of the highest quality," she explained.
This term 900 pupils have moved into phase one of the development at the Parson Cross secondary - and are proud and delighted with their new surroundings.
"When we walked in on the first day, it was like 'wow' - it was like it wasn't real. We couldn't believe it was a school, it looked more like a top college," said 14-year-old Demi Cassinelli.
"We'd only seen it from outside before, while building work was going on. We had no sneak previews, and we couldn't believe the difference," added Jason Glaves, 13.
The youngsters are keen to show visitors the favourite parts of what Mrs Armytage describes as 'a true 21st century learning environment'.
There's the food technology department with its ultra-modern convection system, the science centre in the former Elm building, design technology labs packed with industry-standard equipment, and specialist rooms for art and IT.
The students are also proud of a newly created sensory garden which in more clement weather will be an important place for youngsters with special needs.
Perhaps most significant though is the school's fully networked IT system and the dozens of PCs which allow pupils to study anywhere, anytime.
Yewlands has been designed with several 'break out' areas where youngsters can log on and use their computers for both work and play.
In fact many students have been turning up for school at eight in the morning to fire up their screens and complete their homework online - and have been arriving earlier and earlier, according to Mrs Armytage.
"You can do loads of your work on computer - it means you're not writing stuff down all the time," Jason said.
"The software is loads better - it's quick and it's been completely updated," added 13-year-old Aydan Cotton.
Mrs Armytage believes the school hasn't yet even begun to exploit the potential of its new technology systems.
"It is going to allow us to present the curriculum in a completely different way, with the students following their own personalised learning paths," she said.
A new school is also an opportunity for a new broom in other areas - the pupils have a new uniform, which they helped to design, and there are new 'water only' and 'no gum' policies in place.
And, according to the pupils, the open plan design is making an impact all of its own.
"In the old school the corridors were cold, and there was a lot of pushing and shoving. It's not like that now - we don't really have corridors at all. it all feels more grown up and civilised," said 13-year-old Alice Flint.
"It's like we've all grown up - we've matured. the behaviour is a lot better all over the school. You feel like the school is all yours and you're proud of it," she added.
"This is probably the first new school in the city where an educational vision has been translated into bricks and mortar," said Mrs Armytage.
"For example many areas have flexible walls that enable us to reconfigure learning spaces, while the ICT network means learning can take place any time and anywhere. It's a totally different climate."
A recent open evening for next year's prospective pupils was packed out and filled with a sense of 'awe and wonder,' Mrs Armytage said.
Parents and local residents have been equally impressed.
"Now that Phase 1 of the school is complete, we are working with Taylor Woodrow to demolish the old building, where we will build Phase 2 of the project," said Coun Andrew Sangar, the council's cabinet member for children's services.
"This will include a new hall, dining and kitchen areas and music facilities, which I hope will make a real difference to the learning experiences of our young people.
"I believe every young person should have access to a great local school, and this building work is giving Yewlands a real boost," he added.
A funding agreement to complete the refurbishment of all Sheffield's secondary schools is expected to be in place by the end of the year, with the project due for completion in 2014.
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