DEMOLITION has started at Grant High School to make way for open learning spaces and a new performing arts centre as the school prepares to accommodate Year 7 students.
The school received $7m from the State Government to improve its current facilities for the influx of students scheduled for 2022 with an undercover area and multiple buildings razed for work to begin.
A music centre, recording and rehearsal spaces, performing arts space and two separate buildings for the music and drama students are planned as part of the redevelopment, while three classrooms for the incoming Year 7s will also be included alongside a science laboratory, an additional art room and a second special options classroom.
Grant High School principal Fleur Roachock said students had responded well to the building disruptions.
“We have had to move some of our classes around such as performing arts and music which will be tricky for the next 12 months, but it will be worth it for a brand new facility,” Ms Roachock said.
“We had to shift our canteen into a temporary space and we were a bit worried about that but feedback is it is working better than the previous one which is really good.”
Ms Roachock said students were adapting well to the change of classrooms.
“As for now the drama classes and performing arts have been moved into a large classroom in the main building and the multimedia laboratory and music has been moved into a couple of flexible learning classrooms with music lessons now taking place in the front office,” she said.
“It is a bit different and it is a bit crowded but it is short-term pain for long-term gain.”
She said the demolition and redevelopment had not affected students adversely, stating students remained flexible during the process and looked forward to the new learning spaces due to be completed in October 2021.
“I know the music kids miss their old spaces and they are going to find that a bit challenging and tricky but until we see the actual new building it is difficult to know what they will think,” Ms Roachock said.
She said alongside new classrooms for future Year 7s, staff had also prepared learning curriculum in readiness of the statewide change.
“We are going to begin writing the curriculum for the Year 7s and familiarise ourselves with what it is Year 7s need to learn in line with the Australian curriculum,” Ms Roachock said.
“We are also going to be working closely with the primary schools to ensure there will be a smooth transition in 2022 and we feel we are well down the track and nicely prepared.”
The new building will also include flexible learning spaces and up to date technology for the future students.
