Education Minister Yvette Berry has released more details for school expansions in the Gungahlin area. Photo: Region Media.
More details have been released about the proposed new high school in Kenny which is expected to open to up to 800 students by 2023.
The $72.5 million school will cater to students from years 7 to 10.
“The [Kenny] school will provide high-quality general and specialist learning environments, incorporating both indoor and outdoor learning areas, as well as integrated spaces to support students with specialised needs,” Education Minister Yvette Berry said.
“The school’s buildings will also be carbon neutral in their operation and include approximately 100 kW of solar power generation.”
The master plan and feasibility design for Kenny will be undertaken by local architectural consultants Clarke Keller, which has previously worked on projects at the Australian National University, Deakin Preschool and the Woden Park sports facility redevelopment.
Construction will begin in 2021. Expressions of interest for the tender will be released next month.
A further $12 million will be spent to increase Amaroo’s senior school capacity by 200 students – taking the total to over 2300 students.
The expansion of the Amaroo school will include new learning areas for year 7 to 10 students, building refurbishments and a covered walkway to the library.
The number of Canberra public school students continues to grow by about three per cent each year, Ms Berry said.
New schools in Molonglo, Throsby and Kenny were also announced last year as part of the 2019-20 budget to cope with growing student enrolments. The schools will open in 2021, 2022 and 2023 respectively.
Additional transportable classrooms costing $17 million will be delivered over the coming year to increase the capacity of schools around Canberra by an extra 750 students ahead of the 2021 school year.
Ms Berry said the portable classrooms are fully insulated and contain all the same learning equipment and IT infrastructure as a normal classroom. They are built to last between 15 and 20 years, she said.
Minister Berry also flagged that the Government would be making further announcements about a school maintenance package following the Canberra Liberals $15 million pledge for school infrastructure.
The Liberals’ policy followed lead paint being found at the Yarralumla Primary School. The Liberals promised to undertake a full infrastructure audit of all ACT public schools to identify risks such as lead paint, plumbing issues and mould.
Original Article published by Dominic Giannini on The RiotACT.
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