Geelong Grammar announce plans purpose-built primary school
A new purpose-built primary school has been announced by one of the city’s most prestigious educators. SEE THE PLANS.
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A new, purpose-built primary school will be coming to Geelong Grammar School’s Corio campus, with its Newtown site set for sale.
The school announced the “significant strategic project” on Friday, which will expand the Corio campus that currently caters for just middle and senior school students.
According to the school, the new addition will be “strategically placed” to the north of the 230-hectare campus, while the already established school on Noble St, Newtown will be sold.
Principal Rebecca Cody said the new environment, designed to connect to the surrounding natural elements of fields, ponds, native grasslands, creek, coastal ridge and lagoon, would enrich children’s learning experiences.
“These new environments at GGS will encourage students to challenge themselves physically and socially, apply their thinking and problem solving with and through nature, and fortify their capacity for responsible risk taking: ultimately, this supports their overall wellbeing and strength of character; by shedding the fear of making mistakes in learning, our young people become more academically buoyant and resilient,” she said.
Chair of council Paddy Handbury said the announcement was bittersweet.
“This is an incredibly exciting development for the school, but I acknowledge that some members of our community will be saddened at the closure of the Noble St site, which has been home to Bostock House since 1997,” Ms Handbury said.
“As has happened before, the School’s ambitions have outgrown the site upon which it sits.
“While the site will be sold, the Bostock name will endure, with plans to preserve it in a meaningful way at Corio and to continue the nurturing community culture that is at the heart of Bostock House.”
Stage 1 of construction is planned to commence before the end of the year, pending planning approvals, archaeological findings and tender process.
According to the school, the project will initially be funded through the sale of assets and properties including the Noble St site, as well as a loan from the Geelong Grammar Foundation.
A fundraising campaign will also be launched, in parallel with the Corio campus masterplan.
Ms Handbury said the project was part of the school’s response to the Covid pandemic, and its focus on “change by choice”.
“As we continue to navigate our way beyond the pandemic, the one sure-fire inevitability is change,” Ms Handbury said.
“The school council and school executive will persist with positive, proactive and progressive decision-making.
“This decision to expand the Corio campus strengthens our spirit, honours our heritage, and lives our promise of exceptional education.”
The school has created a stand-alone website for information on the project.
For more information visit adventure-awaits.com.au
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