Plans for Suncoast Christian College’s new primary school campus at Woombye have been revealed, with key leaders attending a turning of the sod ceremony recently.
A design for the future
Designed by m3 Architecture, the campus features the most advanced school buildings on the Sunshine Coast. The design specifically caters for a collaborative ‘team-teaching’ model, replacing traditional classrooms with flexible learning spaces.
The building accommodating students in Year 1 to Year 6 will split children into three cohorts. A team of six teachers and teachers’ assistants will teach across the three spaces with dedicated and adaptable learning zones over two levels.
A tiered seating area in each of these cohort zones connects the two levels. Students can move freely between floors. Each cohort will have its own maker space and kitchen. An art room and performing arts space services the whole primary school. A specially designed steel mesh will wrap around the new building, allowing air and natural light to stream through.
The new building provides flexible and collaborative learning spaces. A team of dedicated Christian teachers will provide inquiry-based teaching to equip students for a future world where creativity, communication and critical thinking skills are essential.
The open teaching spaces will be zoned and furnished to allow for a variety of teaching modes. Different configurations will cater to different stages of learning and subjects. Teachers will effectively and intuitively tailor lessons to the abilities and learning needs of individual students.
Suncoast Christian College principal, Greg Mattiske, says team-teaching delivers the best social, emotional and academic outcomes for students. It’s been very much designed around the school’s vision for learning. The staff have been involved in the design process.
“This project has gone way beyond our expectations,” Mr Mattiske says. “I want children, staff and parents to come to the school and feel excited about this facility.”
About the College
Founded on reclaimed farming land in 1979 as the Suncoast Christian Academy, the school’s first building was an old pineapple packing shed. From such humble origins, the school’s missions sees students grow in their faith, character, and learning. The new campus will be a fitting affirmation of the school’s legacy and special character.
The school teaches more by stage than age, with learning based on a child’s level in each subject. The building design accommodates teams of teachers and teacher assistants working together with students in large, medium and small group configurations. The flexible nature of the facility means that spaces can accommodate groups of five pupils up to 100.
The new campus is the first phase in a 25-year master building plan. With plans to accommodate an additional 100 students at the school, it envisages and allows for future capacity. There are currently two classrooms for each grade. The aspiration is to increase that to three without changing the integrity and community focus of the school.
For more information, visit the Suncoast Christian College website.
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