By Aileen Robertson

FIFE’S FIRST school campus bringing a Roman Catholic and a non-denominational primary school under the same roof was officially opened in Oakley yesterday.

Oakley Campus, which includes Holy Name RC and Inzievar primary schools, and also houses the community library, was declared open by local MSP Jim Tolson.

A dedication was given jointly by Scotland’s most senior Roman Catholic, Cardinal Keith O’Brien, and the Rev Elizabeth Kenny.

Both schools will retain their identities and run separately under their existing head teachers while sharing facilities like the assembly and dining halls.

Roman Catholic and non-denominational schools have been twinned in other parts of the country in response to a Scottish Executive drive to prevent sectarian conflict.

Although there has been no suggestion of sectarian rivalry between children in the village, Holy Name head teacher Patricia McAtee said bringing the schools together was a positive step for the community.

She said, “When the first school in Oakley, which was founded by the local Catholic landlords, opened 100 years ago, it served all local children. This campus brings us back together, while retaining the identities we have developed along the way.

“There has always been harmony in the village, so we’re starting off in a strong position.

“However we’ve been working on anti-sectarianism projects, being promoted by the Scottish Executive. The projects aim to help children cope with any barriers that might exist in society.

“There is a lot of co-operation between the two schools, and today a joint choir will perform at the ceremony.”

Ethel Musson, head teacher of Inzievar Primary, was impressed with the purpose-built building.

“The children love it. It’s bright and airy and has a superb playground. In school, the children smile and the staff smile. It’s a pleasure to come to work,” she said.

“It’s wonderful to witness the start of a new chapter as two excellently equipped new schools open and establish new links within our community.”

Mrs Musson said having the library within the school was a hit with parents because they could get books out when collecting their children.

Council education and children’s services committee chairman Douglas Chapman said, “In the new Scotland, when we are committed to cultivating responsible citizenship, racial tolerance and cultural understanding in our pupils, I’m proud to witness the opening of the first purpose-built shared campus in Fife.

“It’s great to see the strong relationships that have already been forged between staff and pupils of these two schools with different traditions since the new doors were opened in February.”

Mr Tolson unveiled a plaque during the opening ceremony.