$4m senior studies centre

Bangholme’s Cornish College will soon add a $4 million senior studies centre to its 100-acre grounds.
Education Minister James Merlino announced a $2 million State Government contribution to the project on Wednesday 22 November.
Principal Vicki Steer said Cornish College would match the figure.
“The new centre will provide spaces for formal and small group teaching,” she said.
“We recognise that learning is not confined to classrooms, though, and the large, open plan areas will support incidental learning, too.
“The space will provide opportunities for independent study, collaboration, coaching and mentoring, informal interactions and relaxation, to support students’ rounded development into successful young people.”
Ms Steer said the centre would draw on the school’s extensive grounds and wetlands “providing an immediate physical connection with the outdoors, promoting well-being and provide a light, airy environment in which to learn and achieve”.
The centre will hold about 200 students and is set to open in 2019.
College board chair Reverend Dr Robert Johnson said that receiving approval to build the centre was a major milestone.
“The college has come a long way in a relatively small amount of time thanks to a vibrant and committed community of supportive parents and staff who really do make a difference in the lives of our students,” he said.
The co-educational, independent school for students from kindergarten to Year 12 opened in 2012.
It has about 700 pupils and has grown by about 85 students each year.