Southern Metropolitan Region
Emerson School
The flexibility afforded by 21st century learning spaces will help Emerson School meet the needs of its diverse student population. As the largest specialist school in Victoria, with over 400 students, staff at Emerson support a wide range of educational, therapeutic and developmental programs.
Principal John Mooney views BER (Building the Education Revolution) as an opportunity that goes beyond just bricks and mortar. Mr Mooney describes it as a “means to further nurture the self-esteem and good self-image of our students with additional learning requirements.”
Last year the school utilised National School Pride (NSP) funding for the refurbishment of its primary courtyard. Designed around an island theme, the sheltered playground features a variety of fish, animals, rocks and mounds for the junior students to explore and has become a mecca “where kids can’t wait to get outside and play,” according to Mr Mooney.
But it is what lies ahead for the school that he is now focused on. Emerson School is receiving a new multipurpose centre under the P21 (Primary Schools for the 21st Century) program, which will feature a full-sized gymnasium linked to a multifunctional space for activities including music and performance. The range of space that will be available within the new building is set to offer students the chance to do things not available at its main campus.
Emerson School has a broad curriculum with a strong program of sport and the arts. The new multipurpose centre will better cater to group programs including dance education, basketball and the school’s wellbeing initiatives. Moreover, the size of the space will make large-scale musical performances a reality.
Another initiative on Emerson’s radar is further developing its links with other schools across the network. Mr Mooney says teachers are committed to a mentoring program for staff from its intake schools and beyond. “The multipurpose centre will be able to accommodate forums with visiting teachers from other schools, who work with students with additional needs,” he says.
Mr Mooney also believes the breakout spaces will have significant benefits for individual students who at times can be overwhelmed by noise. “They will have the chance to go somewhere quiet to have some time out and relax,” he says. “The building will be invaluable in this way.”
November, 2010
