This is our first building project emanating from our completed two campus master plan for The Geelong College.

The purpose of the 30-year strategic study was to bring the College’s facilities into the 21st century for student learning and well-being. A new and expanded junior school and early learning centre will be built around the existing Campbell House classrooms.

The design draws upon the school’s pedagogies inspired in approach by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. A critical aspect of the approach considers the environment to be “the third teacher”.The planning is closely linked to the landscapes of the site. The new school buildings are shaped to provide the optimal amenity and aspect for the learning ateliers. A zig zag plan form brings south light into all the learning environments and provides long views across the playing fields. The form retains the existing site trees, and promotes natural cross ventilation of the spaces.

The existing courtyards will be amplified by creating a performing arts precinct around them. Existing standalone classroom pavilions will be readapted into music and drama studios and a new multi-purpose room will allow the whole school to gather. The plan is zoned creating year level communities, each with its own identity. Each are linked together by a continuous verandah, promoting outdoor spaces for learning and social play.