Community members are getting a grand tour of the now complete $100 million state-of-the-art Whyalla Secondary College ahead of opening to 1,500 students in years 7 to 12 next year.
Strategically placed between the local TAFE SA and University of South Australia campuses, Whyalla Secondary College will form part of an education precinct supporting the school’s focus on future skills and providing students with strong links to further study options.
Built by Sarah Constructions and designed by Cox Architects in collaboration with Thomson Rossi, the school will replace Whyalla’s three existing high school campuses offering students a seamless transition through their senior years.
Minister for Education John Gardner said the Marshall Liberal Government is invested in supporting every child and young person in country South Australia to achieve their best.
“The Marshall Liberal Government’s record $1.4 billion investment in education infrastructure spans right across our state and Whyalla Secondary College is a prime example of the great education offerings available to families in our regions,” said Minister Gardner.
“This new school will offer world class learning environments and will focus on supporting future skills needs that lead to jobs.
“The benefits of this impressive build go beyond the classroom and into the local economy, generating more than $20 million worth of regional economic benefit to Whyalla and the surrounding regions.”
Deputy Premier Dan van Holst Pellekaan said the new state-of-the-art school is a wonderful example of how the Marshall Liberal Government is delivering for the people of regional South Australia.
“Whyalla Secondary College is a spectacular gem offering students in the town a vibrant contemporary place of learning,” said Deputy Premier van Holst Pellekaan.
“We are invested in improving opportunities for those in our regions and this school is something the local community can be truly proud of and one students will get to enjoy for many generations to come.
“The Marshall Liberal Government is building what matters for all South Australians and it’s been exciting to see the concept for this school become a reality.”
“I’m in awe of our brand new teaching and learning facilities and so excited our community can finally see the full extent of this exceptional build and what we will be offering secondary students of Whyalla,” said Whyalla Secondary College Principal Tricia Richman.
“There are so many opportunities for collaboration, problem-solving, and engagement in learning.
“We’ve held several transition days for our incoming students, so they familiarise themselves with their new surroundings, meet new peers and staff, and build some excitement about beginning here in 2022.
“This process has been like no other. We’ve had the opportunity to shape and enhance what secondary education will look like in Whyalla and I am so excited to start seeing the learning benefits of these exceptional facilities.”
The unique contemporary design offers students endless learning opportunities within its three-storey building and multi-level outdoor learning spaces.
A double court gymnasium located at the back of the school looks over the expansive sporting field and courts that can be used by the Whyalla community, who will also benefit from the performing arts theatre.
With approximately 1,100 tonne of processed steel and 5,815 metre squared of glass that went into the build, the structure took more than 47,000 days worked onsite by a total of 1,296 personnel.
