SCOTLAND Rugby legend John Beattie treated guests at the official opening of Alva Academy to an impromptu coaching session.

The former international star, now a sports broadcaster with BBC Scotland, has been a regular visitor to the school, particularly during Alva Academy"s spell as the 'BBC Sound Town".

And he was delighted to accept an invitation from Clackmannanshire Council to perform the official opening of the new school building.

During his inspirational speech, John took the opportunity to teach a number of guests some key moves in rugby, including passing and line-outs.

One of the best moves involved Billy Kelly, of Alva Community Council, and Jim McCorgray, of Alva Academy Parent Council, lifting Alison Murphy, chair of Alva Primary School PTA, in the 'line-out" to catch a throw by Elspeth Croll, principal teacher of maths at the academy.

The new Alva Academy currently accommodates 1114 pupils and 120 staff, and they have already settled in to the state-of-the-art building since moving in April. Members of the community have also been taking advantage of the new facilities, booking meeting spaces and using the gym and other sports equipment after school hours and at weekends.

The new school is part of a £60 million plus PPP project delivering three new secondary schools in Clackmannanshire in 2009. The schools have been built by the Clackmannanshire School Education Partnership, which includes Bilfinger Berger, Ogilvie Construction and Amey Business Services, with 3D being the architects behind the whole project.

Provost Derek Stewart said, 'The new Alva Academy boasts some exceptional new facilities. The council is committed to providing the best possible education for young people in Clackmannanshire and this new school will help us achieve that.' Headteacher John Meney said the move had provided pupils and staff with amazing new facilities.

'The staff, parents and pupils are absolutely thrilled with the new building,' he said. 'We now have an inspiring learning environment where we can promote excellence and enjoyment.' The new school boasts specialist science, art, music, ICT and drama classrooms. The indoor sports facilities include a games hall, gymnasium, dance studio, fitness suite and a state of the art PE classroom for high level coaching sessions while the outdoors sports facilities include an artificial football/hockey pitch.

The existing grass pitch will be retained, while new and improved athletic facilities, including a 100m sprint track, throwing areas, a long jump pit, as well as a 200m circular track, will be created.

There is also an assembly hall with bleacher seating for 400 people. The hall has a theatre-standard stage area with appropriate lighting and sound systems to stage school and community performances.