An $8 million project to create a new science, art and technology wing at Newcomb Secondary College in Geelong will position the school at the leading edge of modern education, the Premier, John Brumby said today.
Mr Brumby was joined by Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville at Newcomb Secondary College to officially open its new $8 million science centre, new middle years centre, art and technology wing and learning and resources centre.
“We are taking action to ensure every young Victorian has an opportunity to learn, grow and thrive in the best facilities with the best teachers and that’s because education is our Government’s number-one priority,” Mr Brumby said.
“We are taking action to ensure every young Victorian has an opportunity to learn, grow and thrive in the best facilities with the best teachers."
“This new redevelopment marks a new era in education at Newcomb Secondary College and is a great example of how traditional classrooms are being transformed into modern, creative and innovative learning spaces.
“The way our young people are taught is changing and our schools must reflect modern learning practices. These learning centres will drive and shape the way students at Newcomb Secondary College are educated for years to come.”
The Victorian Government provided $4.7 million towards the Newcomb Secondary College redevelopment with the Commonwealth Government contributing $3.2 million and the school community $143,389.
Mr Brumby said it was important to ensure Victoria’s young people were prepared for a 21st century workforce – a workforce that is increasingly demanding people with high-level thinking, creative and collaborative skills.
“Modern classrooms are now flexible learning spaces where young people and their teachers can work together in large or small teams that target the individual learning needs of each student,” he said.
Ms Neville, also Minister for Community Services, Mental Health and Senior Victorians congratulated Newcomb Secondary College community for its valuable input towards the project.
"I enjoyed working with the Newcomb Secondary College community to help secure funding for this project, and it is great to see it completed," Ms Neville said.
"Newcomb Secondary College already has great art, science and music programs and this redevelopment will allow the school to offer even better programs to students.
“Today’s official opening comes at an exciting time for schools in Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula with 12 school projects in planning, under construction or recently underway.
“Newcomb Secondary College is just one example of the work being undertaken as part of the Victorian Government’s $1.9 billion Victorian Schools Plan to build new schools and renovate or extend every government school.”