Next phase of Big Picture school in Bridgewater underway

Fantastic news from the Tasmanian Government.

*David Bartlett, MP*
Premier

Thursday, 3 December 2009
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Next phase of Bridgewater education project underway

The design and structure of the new Bridgewater Education project resultsfrom the Government listening to and implementing the wishes of the community, Premier David Bartlett said today,

“The Bridgewater community can be proud that it helped shape what we arebuilding here today,” Mr Bartlett said at an inspection of the work at the Bridgewater and Southern Midlands Learning Federation sites.

“This federation will house a primary school, middle school and years 9-12.

“It will also include a Birth-to-4 centre, a Children and Family Centre, three Kindergarten to Grade 4 sites and a Learning and Information Network Centre (LINC).

“Work is already underway on the $2 million gym for the primary school, funded by the Australian Government.

“The next stage of construction includes a grade 5-8 middle school, grade 9-12 and adult learning facility, a gym and a science centre, funded by theTasmanian Government.

“The Bridgewater High site will house the middle school.

“This concept aims to smooth the transition from primary to high school by providing a challenging but supportive learning program and facilities that are specifically designed for pre-adolescent and adolescent learners.

“A State Government funded grade 9-12 facility and Adult Learning Centre will be built nearby.

“The grade 9-12 component will be set up as Big Picture Schools.

“Big Picture Schools are small by design and focus on individualised teaching offering a more personalised approach to learning in the classroom and the community.

“At Bridgewater this will mean two or three schools connected by a central hub to provide learning programs for students tailored to their individual needs and interests.

“A $2 million science centre funded under the Australian Government’s Science and Language Centres for the 21st century program will also form part of the Big Picture school.

“A nearby Trade Training Centre will provide a base for training in trades ranging from automotive, engineering and construction to horticulture and rural industries.

“This project is an outstanding example of secondary school renewal, Mr Bartlett said.