A STATE Government cash injection will allow Grant High School to add a second special options classroom to its expansive educational facility.
The Hosking Avenue site is one of 10 state public high schools to receive new specialised education facilities as part of measures to support the transition of Year 7 study to secondary schools in 2022.
Grant High School will share in $10m toward the expansion of specialised education options, with further upgrades expected to be rolled out across the state’s 180 sites that will be impacted by the Year 7 transition.
Schools were shortlisted for the recent funding round following a geographical analysis of the state’s 2018 Year 3 student cohort accessing a specialised education option, establishing projected areas of greatest need.
The announcement follows a $7m State Government boost to Grant High School earlier this year to develop a new drama and arts space, three new classrooms and a science lab.
Grant High School principal Fleur Roachock said the school was eager to transform one of its ageing corridor classrooms into a second special options area.
“We will have to shift a door, build a wall and remove cupboards, but it is not a massive build and not to scale of our other future construction plans,” Ms Roachock said.
“Because we have always had classrooms, it means the outside infrastructure is pretty much already here.
“We will also be adding a sensory area and it will be minimal, but also very beneficial and we are excited.”
The 10 schools have been advised to plan on detailed designs for disability options and funding will be allocated once quotes are finalised.
Ms Roachock said the classroom was located directly opposite the school’s existing special option area and in the heart of the school grounds.
“It is important these options are available so children living with a disability can learn in a mainstream environment,” she said.
“I think it is also important for the rest of us to learn with, look after and care for young people who have disabilities too.
“Having these children here makes all us better and we learn so much from them and probably more than what they learn from us.”
Ms Roachock said when discussing initial plans, the idea for a separated classroom was floated but did not gain support.
“I do not believe there is any point in separating or segregating, we want them right here with all of us,” she said.
“The classroom is located right among others and along our main school corridor.
“The room is quite large and has the ability to have 12 students maximum, so it will be ample for their needs and easily accessible.”
Planning to keep with the same layout of the existing special options area, Ms Roachock said the extra space would allow for separate senior and junior high school classrooms.
“With Year 7 students coming in, it will allow us to have a junior class and a senior class, which we think is important,” she said.
“Specific year levels will be discussed further down the track.”
Further plans to develop wheelchair-friendly access across other areas of the school are also being analysed.
Ms Roachock said the classroom upgrade was expected to be finished before the 2022 school year and after Grant High School’s major Year 7 transitioning redevelopment was complete.
Education Minister John Gardner said the redevelopments formed part of the Marshall Government’s record $1.3b education capital works program.
“This will support thousands of construction jobs and employ thousands of tradespeople across South Australia,” he said.
“Our aim is to ensure that every student receives the targeted support they need, when they need it, so they can engage successfully in their high schoo
