Glenunga International High School’s $14m expansion on show

A $14 million development including a new learning and technology centre, science laboratories, and music and drama studios will be officially opened at Glenunga International High School today.

Glenunga International High School is one of four metropolitan schools involved in the State Government’s Expanding State High Schools Program, announced in the 2010/11 State Budget, which has resulted in 800 extra spaces.

Education and Child Development Minister Susan Close said Glenunga International High School is one of the state’s leading schools, offering students a first class education in an ultra-modern environment.

“The school has undergone a massive transformation, with an entire new building and many refurbishments undertaken throughout the school.

“Glenunga International High School is extremely popular among the community and this development has enabled a further 100 students to access the school, bringing the total enrolments to more than 1600.

“The completion of this large-scale development finalises the State Government’s commitment to expanding four of our state’s most popular schools in Glenunga International High School, Adelaide High School, Brighton Secondary School and Marryatville High School.”

The new building houses the Year 12 centre, a learning hub, student wellbeing centre, student services, international services, and staff offices.

The refurbishment involved converting art classrooms into three state-of-the-art science laboratories, music and drama studios, and an old library to purpose-built visual art and multi-media studios.

A further two science laboratories have been refurbished, as well as maths and science offices and the staff room.

Glenunga International High School Principal Wendy Johnson said students, staff and families feel really at home in their new environment and they are very appreciative of the learning opportunities offered by the new facilities.

“The new building brings together a range of services for students and families, including finance, counselling and vocational education, all in the one easy-to-access location, rather than being scattered throughout the school as it once was,” Ms Johnson said.

“Now families can park right outside the school gate and the first building they come across has everything they need to access for their child – it’s really like a one-stop-shop.

“A real highlight of the development process has been the student involvement, with a large number of students having a real say on what they want to see in their school.

“The learning hub and the Year 12 zone includes colourings and furnishings all chosen by students, which means the space really works for them.

“Given our school offers the most science classes in the state, with over 80 held per week, having extra laboratories has also been a welcome boost to accommodate the large interest in this topic our students have.

“We strive to offer students an environment that fosters a high level of successful learning and engagement, and this development reinforces to our school community that this is our key focus.”

The official opening of the redevelopment starts at 11am today, Friday 16 October.

Source: News Release, Government of South Australia, 16 October, 2015

http://www.premier.sa.gov.au/images/news_releases/2015/15_10Oct/glenungaexpansion.pdf