Smalls Road Public School: New state-of-the-art $46m ‘colosseum of learning’ opens in Ryde
The state of the art school is like no other in the area, previously referred to as Ryde’s own “colosseum of learning”. It features 43 flexible learning spaces, an impressive two-storey library and multipurpose sports courts. SEE THE PICTURES
Northern District Times
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SIXTY bright-eyed kids donned their new uniforms and oversized backpacks before waving goodbye to their teary-eyed parents for their first day of kindergarten at the new Smalls Road Public School on Monday.
The state-of-the-art $46m school which took one year to build is like no other school in the area which was previously referred to as Ryde’s own “colosseum of learning” by member for Ryde Victor Dominello because of its circular design.
On Monday morning, principal Megan Gibbons opened the gates for the school’s first lot of Kindergarten students in the impressive three-storey building.
It features 43 flexible learning spaces, an impressive two-storey library, open school hall as well as plenty of outdoor play areas and multipurpose sports courts which can hold up to 1000 students.
Innovative learning environments are the main feature of the school which refers to spaces where teachers can adapt their lessons based on group size, projects and equipment.
The Northern District Times visited the school on its opening day where an exclusive classroom tour featured everything from mobile smart boards to modern desks that converted to white boards for presentations.
Each flexible learning spaces caters for up to four classes at the same time.
“The classes are so spread out even for 80 kids. The floor space is actually the size of four individual classrooms,” Ms Gibbons said.
“They (each class) all enter through a different door in the mornings with their own teacher,” she said.
Yet each class also has the opportunity to work in one central space for collaborative teaching.
Ms Gibbons, who was previously principal at Hornsby’s Asquith Public School, said the new campus was an “exciting” challenge.
“A new school build is different because you’re starting everything,” she said.
She was involved from the start with enrolments and employing staff to helping design the school colours and uniform.
When asked what’s her vision for the school Ms Gibbons said she hopes the students will leave school with real life skills.
“They don’t need to know a lot of facts, sit in rows and absorb. They have to learn to communicate with each other, find information, put it into practice and solve problems,” Ms Gibbons said.
“We want to prepare them to participate in a work force that we don’t know right now what it’s going to look like,” she said.
Member for Ryde Victor Dominello told the Northern District Times he’s so “impressed” with the new school and modern learning spaces saying it was like going to university.
“You don’t see the traditional blackboard, tables and chairs. Forget it. It is like university. It is so smart so kids will be constantly engaged.
“I’m so proud it’s in our backyard,” he said.
Mr Dominello said he hopes the school will take off the pressure on nearby schools in Meadowbank and West Ryde.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian who grew up in the area and went to North Ryde High school said she was very “excited” about the school’s opening.
“The kindy classes are getting a real treat they get to have the whole school to themselves this year.
“But to know that eventually 1000 students will be getting a world class of education really warms my heart and just to see what a beautiful environment it is just wonderful,” she said.
Education minister Sarah Mitchell said it was “amazing” knowing the students starting today would have a “world class education.”
For the school’s first year there will be three classes of 20 kindergarten students.
From 2021, the school will expand taking kids in from year 1 to year 6.
There will an open day on Saturday, February 22, 9am-11am. Entry on the day will be from Smalls Rd only.