Aberfoyle Park High School: $14m development unveiled at Adelaide school

A high school in Adelaide’s south has undergone a multimillion-dollar upgrade – putting its students on centre stage. See the new-look school here.

Aberfoyle Park High School has officially opened its multimillion-dollar redevelopment, which includes a 250-seat theatre set to transform the musical scene for its 1150 students.

The $14 million upgrade includes the refurbishment of existing building to provide contemporary spaces in the middle and senior schools, along with a new arts centre, front entrance and administration centre.

First announced in 2017, the project also includes a major theatre so the school can provide quality music teaching and practice spaces for large performances, as well as a dance studio and music practice spaces.

Music students Wiremu O'Brien, year 10, and Ada Gillespie, year 11, in the new theatre at Aberfoyle Park High School. Picture: Tom Huntley

Principal Marion Coady said the build had reinvigorated education.

“I’m particularly proud of the theatre, which will now accommodate, the arts, dance as well as school assemblies,” Ms Coady said.

“It will help extend our school curriculum.”

School captain Freya Eaton said while she was proud to see the works completed, she wished she had the time to enjoy it.

“Students have just become so much prouder coming to school knowing this is here waiting for them,” she said.

Aberfoyle Park High School students impress at the opening of their new school facilities. Picture: Tom Huntley

Aberfoyle Park high School orchestra performs in the new theatre. Picture: Tom Huntley

Aberfoyle Park High School exterior. Artist’s impression, picture: Hames Sharley

“Even having a brand new pathway through the school has made all the difference.

“It makes me sad I’m finishing at the end of the year but I’ll be back to watch the performances.”

Education Minister Blair Boyer said: “It’s fantastic to see the significant investment that has been made at Aberfoyle Park High School that will give students access to world-class facilities.”

He added: “We have a range of incredible teachers and specialist programs but without the right infrastructure, it’s very difficult for these things to co-exist.”