Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
G’day Chris, welcome.
good to see you, Good to see you.
Can I introduce you to Sue Jose, the Principal.
Chris Evans.
How are you?
Nice to meet you.
Based in Canberra’s north western suburbs, Gold Creek
Primary School decided to directly involve parents,
teachers and students in helping to design its $3.6
million project funded under the Building the Education Revolution.
The largest school modernisation program in Australia's history.
Asked for their opinion, the school community said the
project should meet a diverse range of multisensory
needs, allowing students to either interact with the
environment or to play undercover.
As a model for other schools, the new facilities would
have to be environmentally sustainable, offering
regular classrooms as well as space for propagating and potting plants.
Consistent with this environmental approach, the works
would have to provide space for an orchard and garden
beds, while allowing students to learn about
sustainable gardening using rainwater, composting and mulch.
The North-facing structure should include photovoltaic
cells for the generation of solar power, have large,
usable storerooms, an office, wall and roof insulation
and - using the same principles of the traditional
Australian homestead - feature high ceilings and wide
verandas to aid with heating and cooling.
External features like raised garden beds and compost
bins should also be a permanent feature, complementing
the new facilities.
The involvement of the school community in these
planning decisions has resulted in a unique building.
One which not only blends-in with the school’s existing
facilities but one which will meet the school
community’s diverse needs and look good for years to come.
And I’m absolutely delighted to demonstrate this
morning that these requests have all been delivered.
It’s terrific to hear Sue outline exactly what the
school community wanted out of this project and I’m
really thrilled that we’ve been able to, in partnership
with the Federal Government, deliver an outcome that
meets the specific needs of this community, here at Gold Creek.
This investment has allowed schools go beyond and do
some great things.
The creativity about the environmental aspects is
fantastic And the best feedback on that is not to look
at the buildings but the enthusiasm the kids have for
showing us around.
Clearly they’re getting the benefit of those facilities
reflected in their learning and their enthusiasm for learning.
It’s great to see the building the education revolution
program is really delivering results and if you go to
schools around Australia you get the same feedback.
People appreciate what’s occurred and you’re seeing
really positive results.
Because helping the environment is easy.