Six months after opening, Greater Shepparton Secondary College (GSSC) is demonstrating the educational power of purpose-built, modern schools.
With around 2,100 students enrolled, the award-winning school is a glimpse into the future of Australian education.
The school’s impressive construction was completed in less than two years and earned building firm Hansen Yuncken two Regional Building Awards from Master Builders Victoria.
GSSC was awarded for Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings, while Hansen Yuncken took out the title of North East Commercial Regional Builder of the Year.
After a tumultuous two years of COVID-19 disruptions and relocations, students are beginning to reap the benefits of the modern, community-centric facilities.
In the years to come, the school is expected to see improved academic results and enrolments reaching the capacity of 2,700 students, which would make it the state’s largest high school campus.
Hansen Yuncken Senior Project Manager, Tom Cumming, said the true task was building a new school community for Shepparton.
“It’s amazing to see the school now “in action” filled with students and staff—our vision for the building has come to life.
“The decision to amalgamate four regional secondary schools into one school was contentious at the time.
“It was really important that the design of Greater Shepparton Secondary College facilitated a community and sense of belonging,” he said.
The school site was developed around the Enterprise and Innovation Centre surrounded by three neighbourhoods.
Cumming explains: “Each neighbourhood comprises three houses, which act as the home base to 300 students and their associated teaching, leadership and support staff.
“As part of this “school within a school” model, students will remain in their houses throughout all their secondary school years, forging close-knit bonds in these sub-communities.
“The school never feels crowded during recess and lunchtime, despite more than 2,000 students out on the grounds.
“One of the reasons is the way the doors have been placed on all the buildings; there are multiple exits leading to different outdoor spaces.
“Additionally, specialty areas – like the rooftop gardens for Year 12 students – further enhance the connections between student groups.”
With innovative facilities, the school aims to bridge gaps between regional and metro student outcomes.
GGSC is custom-designed to support more pathways for students, featuring a careers hub and an Enterprise and Innovation Centre providing specialist teaching and learning areas for science, music, arts, drama, robotics and material technology.
The new gymnasium is a sports education hub with two Netball Australia compliant courts, learning spaces, a dedicated weights and movement room and change facilities.
Another highlight of the construction was the upgrade of the one remaining Shepparton High School building, involving a complete fit-out to transform the space into a health and wellbeing centre.
Greater Shepparton Secondary College principal, Barbara O’Brien, is confident about the school’s future.
“This new school provides so many opportunities for learning and connecting, and our staff are wholeheartedly dedicated to supporting our students to reach their full potential. Students are already taking subjects and electives that were never before possible to study in Shepparton,” she said.
“We know the transition to this new school is not without its challenges, but we are confident the outcomes will speak for themselves in the next few years. We’re working hard to make Greater Shepparton Secondary College a beacon of education in this region.”
The two-year construction of the school included demolition of the old Shepparton High School, construction of five new buildings, refurbishment of a heritage schoolhouse and extensive landscaping.
“Delivering the project at this speed required advanced construction practices and close relationships with the Victorian School Building Authority and local contractors,” said Cumming.
“Greater Shepparton Secondary College exemplifies Hansen Yuncken’s commitment to delivering iconic, forward-thinking buildings and raising the bar for education construction.
“Half a year after the school’s official opening, we’re excited about the ongoing impact these new facilities will have on local education for years to come.”
