IN real life it is a few hundred yards up the road but now a Winchester school is making use of a scale model.

A replica of the Winchester Village development has been donated to Kings' School by Bovis Homes, helping pupils in subjects, including computer animation, geography and design.

The model is helping pupils from all age groups across a range of departments take advantage of the small-scale replica.

“The model has been used for a whole host of things,” says Ian Pickles, business manager at Kings’. “It is currently located in our Business and Enterprise Suite and it is being used and analysed enthusiastically by our pupils.”

Previously the model has been used as a tool to enhance computer design lessons, with students creating buildings and using design software to replicate the homes. They’ve also used the model as a back drop for stop-go animation projects.

“Our Year 7 students recently used it and I saw an amazing clip of a plasticine man walking down the street and climbing over a car!” explains Ian.

“As part of the new design and technology curriculum being introduced for GCSE pupils, there will be an architect module – so we’ll also be able to use the model to enhance these lessons. There are also plans for the geography department to use it to support urban studies.

“There’s been real enthusiasm surrounding the model and some of our pupils even live there, so we’ve got some children saying ‘Look – that’s my house!’ It’s great!”

Winchester Village, which was designed by local architect, Huw Thomas, is nearing completion.

Bovis sales manager Andy Meade said: “We’re really proud of Winchester Village, and it’s fantastic to see the model being put to good use. The new neighbourhood has been carefully designed, with open spaces, footpaths and hidden parking areas, creating a really lovely place to live as well as making a great model in miniature.

“There’s a real sense of community growing at Winchester Village and it’s lovely to see it evolving.”