Shenton College will receive a new double-storey modular building to address growing enrolments at the western suburbs school.
Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery today announced the innovative design, with state-of-the-art facilities which will accommodate an additional 300 secondary students, while minimising the impact of the build on the school campus.
The McGowan Government has provided $15 million - to be included in the upcoming Mid-year Review - for the modular building, which will include:
- 11 general-learning classrooms;
- a science classroom;
- staff areas; and
- toilet facilities.
It will be located on part of the school's existing hard court. New hard courts will be constructed on the existing car park and a replacement car park will be provided.
Planning is already under way, with the new facilities expected to be ready in time for the 2024 school year.
The Department of Education is also developing a longer-term strategy to address enrolment growth in western suburbs schools, and ensure the necessary long-term plans are in place for education in these popular areas.
Shenton College currently has approximately 2,700 students, with enrolments expected to increase in coming years.
The opening of Bob Hawke College has taken enrolment pressure off Churchlands Senior High School, which is now experiencing a planned decrease in enrolments. The opening of Stage 2 in 2023 is set to further raise the school's student capacity.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"We know the western suburbs is an increasingly popular area for families, so the State Government is looking at long-term solutions to address growing enrolments at local schools.
"We have invested $15 million in these new modular classrooms to address the immediate enrolment pressure at Shenton College.
"The innovative double-storey modular building is an efficient way of accommodating for growth at the school and minimising any impact to student learning while it is constructed.
"The Department of Education will also begin development of a strategy to address enrolment growth in the western suburbs, which will provide government with recommendations on solutions that will deliver for local students."
As stated by Nedlands MLA Katrina Stratton:
"I'm pleased to have been able to work with the Minister and Shenton College on managing enrolment growth in our local schools.
"The western suburbs are home to fantastic public schools and we are focused on ensuring that students continue to benefit from quality learning environments.
"I look forward to visiting the school again to see the new facilities in action in 2024."
