New learning opportunities emerge at Caulfield Grammar School’s Wheelers Hill Junior Campus from its new ‘A Cluster’ redevelopment project. Indoor and outdoor learning space integration offers a truly flexible environment.
Term 3 2022 saw lots of laughter, excitement and exploration as a new learning precinct at the Early Learning to Year 12 Wheelers Hill Campus opened for learning.
This state-of-the-art Junior School A Cluster precinct, which includes a new playground area with age-appropriate equipment and landscaped gardens, has allowed the Junior Campus to expand to now cater for a total of three Years 5 and 6 classes from 2023.
The new teaching and learning development project was led by Sarah Salter, Head of Wheelers Hill Junior Campus, in collaboration with many school community stakeholders and external partners with a strong background in education and inclusion.
“We have collected key learnings with each campus building project completed,” explains Mrs Salter. “A Cluster has been the opportunity to crystalise this thinking into an exciting new project that reflects our approach to contemporary learning environments. Our focus was on creating truly flexible learning spaces that cater for the diverse learning needs of all our students.”
Every year level at Caulfield Grammar now has their own flexible learning space custom-designed for their age, with breakout and collaboration spaces.
“We wanted the building to reflect our connection to Jells Park and our incredible outdoor learning spaces, creating opportunities for students to transition seamlessly between indoor and outdoor learning spaces,” says Mrs Salter.
“Our natural environment creates so many opportunities to connect learning to the real world and every day our students find inspiration in the world around them.”
The building is DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) approved, with many considerations to ensure accessibility, including wheelchair access and an indoor lift.
“The ability to open up connecting doors and create breakout spaces allows our students to learn in an inclusive and connected environment,” says Mrs Salter.
“We know each of our students as individuals and pride ourselves on tailoring learning to their specific needs. Our students are supported by multiple teaching staff including Classroom Teachers, Educational Assistants, Learning Strategies Teachers and EAL (English as an Additional Language) Teachers. Our classrooms allow this scaffolding and extension to occur while connected to the classroom supporting a cohesive and flexible learning environment.”
Campus staff took the learning opportunity of an active building site during the school term to watch and discuss the process with students.
“Minimising disruption for our students and community was a priority. Opting for an offsite procurement model meant that the building was prefabricated in a factory, cut apart, trucked in and craned into place. It was fascinating for staff and students to watch it all come together,” says Mrs Salter.
“A Cluster is a wonderful addition to our campus and the other outstanding spaces that students learn in, from our 650-seat professional theatre and extensive sporting facilities to STEM-based play areas and our connection to the natural environment at Jells Park next door. Our campus provides so many opportunities for quality learning to take place every day.”
Junior School learning program enhancements have also been implemented in 2023 across both Junior School campuses at Wheelers Hill and Malvern.
Alignment with the latest ACARA Version 9 Curriculum in the school’s recent IB PYP evaluation, and continuity of learning from junior to secondary in line with the evolved Secondary Life learning program from 2023 underpin these enhancements.
Complimenting the School’s existing leading academic and co-curricular program, there are expanded opportunities for all students in 2023 across STEM, Drama, PE & Health, and Community Life – delivering optimised time, resourcing and expertise to ensure students receive the best possible learning experience now and into the future.
To learn more, visit: www.caulfieldgs.vic.edu.au
