A state-of-the-art primary school building has officially opened, with a special ceremony held to mark the occasion.
Designed by m3architectecutre and built over about 19 months, the building at Suncoast Christian College at Woombye spans 4750sqm across three levels and has the capacity to accommodate 450 students.
Designed for collaborative teaching, with a focus on flexible learning spaces instead of traditional classrooms, the building can accommodate Prep to Year 6 students, split into three cohorts.
Each group will be taught by a team of six teachers and teachers’ assistants in dedicated and adaptable learning zones over two levels, and there is also an art room and performing arts space for use by all students.
Suncoast Christian College principal Greg Mattiske said the new building enabled the school to provide a nurturing environment allowing all students to thrive.
“Our mission is to grow students in their faith, character and learning. Flexible learning spaces will deliver optimal social, emotional and academic outcomes for students,” Mr Mattiske said.
“The spaces are zoned and furnished to enable a variety of teaching modes, with a range of possible configurations for different subjects and stages of learning.”
Head of primary Melanie Mitchell said the new building transformed the college’s approach to education, providing adaptable environments to meet the diverse needs of students.
“We’re excited to offer a space that can simultaneously build foundational skills through direct teaching while also offering areas for creative and collaborative learning,” Ms Mitchell said.
The building has been designed for passive thermal comfort with a northern orientation for winter sun and summer shading.
The weather-protected facades can be opened for natural ventilation or sealed when the air-conditioning system is on.
The building is also wrapped in a specially designed steel mesh adorned with commemorative discs, which form an eye-catching honeycomb shape and allow air and natural light to stream through.
Students and families had the opportunity to have their names etched on the discs in exchange for a $50 donation. The school also received Queensland Government funding for the building.
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