Historic transformation underway at Lilydale District School,
Tasmania
Students moving equipment out of
the existing bricked-over demountable building,
to make way for the new performing arts facility
Site of the new rural science facility. Students currently
have their rural science classes outside, in old sheds.
Lilydale District School is set to undergo its largest
transformation since opening its doors in 1871.
The School, situated 15 minutes from Launceston in one of
Tasmania’s prime wine-growing regions, received over $3 million for
a new rural science centre and performing arts facility under the
Building the Education Revolution (BER).
The School, which has 450 students from Kindergarten to Year 10,
received $862,000 under Science and Language Learning Centres for 21st
Century Secondary Schools, $2 million under Primary Schools for the
21st Century, and $150,000 under the National School Pride program.
The new rural science facility will better prepare students for
future career pathways in emerging industries such as:
- Alternative energy
- Small scale fish farming
- Permaculture (permanent agriculture)
- Viticulture (wine-making).
School Principal, Mr Greg Morgan, said specialised classes in
these fields have been restricted or not at all possible in the
school’s existing rural science facilities, which currently consist
of a series of humble outdoor sheds.
The new facility will have a secure garden compound, an indoor
rural science lab, and an outdoor learning space to connect the
theory with hands-on experience.
Mr Morgan said “the teachers, students and parents are so excited
to get a new rural science centre with a unique concept that will
complement the school’s farm and vineyard.â€
The school community have also taken an interest in the new
building’s sustainability aspects, and have had input into the
project brief to BPSM Architects.
Mr Damian Rogers from BPSM Architects said the project will keep a
team of 12-15 employees busy over the next nine months. BPSM
Architects are looking to employ at least two more staff to keep up
with the workload on several other BER projects in Tasmania and
Victoria.
“The facility will use several environmentally sustainable design
features to reduce the school’s energy costs and environmental
footprint including natural ventilation and lighting, solar hot
water and water tanks,†Mr Rogers said.
The artistic and musical pursuits of students will also be given
a transformation in the new performing arts facility. Funded with $2
million under Primary Schools for the 21st Century, the facility
will include a performance space with adjoining purpose-designed
music and drama learning spaces, recording facilities and practice
and storage rooms.
The local arts and drama groups will be invited to access the
centre, and it offers scope to host other community functions such
as art exhibitions. An old bricked-over demountable building will be
demolished to make way for the facility.
Planning for both projects is well underway and is expected to be
completed in 2010.
For further information visit
Building the Education Revolution.
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