Independent Schools Guide 2024: The cutting edge learning spaces transforming education

Forward-looking independent schools are embracing “pedagogical architecture” – buildings that are designed to be incorporated into the curriculum and help teach the students who use them.

Woodleigh School’s revolutionary Year 10 building will be the new home for its year 10 regenerative futures program, which Principal David Baker says is a different way to learn, recognising that society must go beyond a sustainability phase to be more regenerative.

“Every single phase of the building will have a learning component for the kids – understanding why we use each material, what the impact of using it is, what the benefits are,” he says.

“And then the building itself will be a system that the kids are engaged with all the time, as part of their learning.”

The roof will provide a habitat for local endangered bird species. Entirely recyclable compressed straw panels will be used in the construction, due to start this year at the school’s Senior Campus at Langwarrin South.

Visionary Awards, is a consultant on the project and involving students in aspects of the building’s construction.

“It means adding value and putting back into society rather than taking from it, not just from an environmental point of view, but also from a societal, community perspective,” Bakker says.

Carey Baptist Grammar School’s award-winning new Centre for Creativity and Collaboration in Kew also screams out “cutting edge”.

Two middle-years students say the key is the building’s five-star environmental credentials – with eco-friendly materials, solar energy and passive heating built in.

“By having features that may eventually become legally necessary, I think it’s a sign of how forward-thinking Carey is, that they’re looking to the future to see the necessity for this building years down the track,” says Year 9 student Hazel Howe.

Fellow Year 9 student Henry Haslam, who, like Hazel, is a Middle School captain, agrees.

“I think global warming is a problem for our generation and for our children to come, and we need to lead by example,” he says.

“It gives you a strong sense of belonging,” Haslam adds. “It’s a very warm, welcoming, positive environment.”