Morphett Vale Primary School

Morphett Vale Primary School is a 21st Century school operating in the refurbished facilities of a recently vacated secondary school.

Project Details

Architects
Ralph Hems – Project Services, Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure

Address
Garema Drive Morphett Vale, South Australia 5162

Submitter
Deb O’Riley, Department for Education and Child Development

Cost
$9.6M

Photographer
Sarah Long – Longshot Photography

Project Overview

The development of this modern teaching and learning environment was initiated through the merger of two existing primary schools and a preschool.

The decision to merge was based around several key factors including outdated facilities that did not support the pedagogy for today’s learner. For success in the 21st Century, students require effective skills in communication, team work, problem solving, adaptability and creativity.

The new school is based on a ‘schools within schools’ concept that accommodates the needs and interests of children from Birth to Year 7. Programs and services for students and families include a specialised Preschool Centre, Regional Special Classes, Out of School Hours Care (OSHC), Occasional Care and an active Playgroup program.

Operable walls and the close proximity and visibility between classes has provided teachers and staff with the opportunity to work as a team as well as for students to work with a range of educators and peers. Teacher professional sharing and team teaching has supported staff development with greater collaboration and engagement for both students and teachers maximising the learning potential.

The library area melds into the central area of the main building creating ease of access and establishing the library as a central learning and research hub.

The refurbished facilities incorporate natural light and ventilation and accommodate a range of environmentally friendly materials in the construction. Solar energy and effective power usage technologies along with effective water collection and usage across the school has ensured cost savings and important environmental learning opportunities for students and the community.

The effective transformation of the existing High School buildings into a primary educational facility has clearly enhanced the schooling lives of students, staff and families.

Design effectiveness has been due to the collective vision of the respective merging school and preschool communities who set out to create a school that would better serve the needs of both family and learner into the future. These new facilities have certainly been designed to support our vision for the school.