- Minister for Education
Shepparton families are one step closer to having the exceptional facilities they deserve, with the Andrews Labor Government unveiling its designs for the city's new secondary school today.
Minister for Education James Merlino visited Shepparton High School to launch the designs for the new secondary school, which will offer students broader subject choices, new learning and pathway opportunities and better student support in state-of-the-art facilities.
The designs support the school's focus on having the advantages of facilities of a big school, while maintaining the feel of a smaller school environment. It will be based around three 'neighbourhood' buildings made up of three small houses, with about 50 students in each year level, each with their own library to help students feel at home.
Student wellbeing is a key part of the designs with dedicated spaces in each house as well as a central hub where students can access health and wellbeing providers.
The designs also include two specialised learning precincts. The Enterprise and Innovation Centre will be the heart for the school and a place to welcome the broader community. The centre will feature arts, science, food technology and technology spaces.
The other precinct is the gymnasium with dedicated spaces for sports sciences, physical education, sport, health, fitness and movement.
Two thirds of the school site is devoted to outdoor space for recreation, wellbeing and education, enabling learning to take place in many settings, and ensuring there are ample indoor and outdoor sports facilities.
Architects Gray Puksand worked closely with students, teachers and the wider community to gain their input for the design of the new school.
To view the school designs, visit schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/schools/Pages/GreaterSheppartonCollege.aspx.
The Labor Government has committed $21.5 million to make the long-term Shepparton Education Plan - including the new Greater Shepparton College (interim name) - a reality.
Minister Merlino also announced further consultation had commenced on the name of the new school and encouraged the community to have their say. To have your say, visit engage.vic.gov.au/SheppartonEducationPlan.
As noted by Education Minister James Merlino
"The new school has been designed from the ground up to best suit the needs of every future Shepparton student, and I'm proud to be here today to mark this important milestone with the community."
"Despite the best efforts of our teachers and schools, student outcomes in the Shepparton region are not as good as they should be and we need to do something about it."
