Andrew Barr

$5.3 million of upgrades unveiled at Narrabundah College

Submitted by Andrew Barr on 23 February 2011 - 3:49pm
Language education in ACT colleges got a boost today with the opening of a new Language Learning Centre at Narrabundah College.
 
The centre will provide leading facilities for language teaching and learning and will provide an opportunity for students at Narrabundah College to video conference with schools from around the world to enhance their learning. It also provides a venue that will assist the college to build on existing relationships with local embassies.
 
The centre is part of the ACT Government’s recent $5.3 million investment at the college. The funding includes the construction of the Language Learning Centre, upgrades to the college’s library and resource centre, and upgrades to the Hawk Theatre.
 
Language education is a key focus in ACT public schools with schools offering language education to students in years 3 to 8 this year. ACT public high schools and colleges also have strong language programs and languages form an important part of the Australian Curriculum.
 
Narrabundah College is a strong supporter of language learning, offering 10 languages. The college also has an exchange program with Hangzhou Foreign Language School in China and provides an extensive English as a Second Language program.
 
The new Language Learning Centre features:
  • six language learning classrooms
  • a central multipurpose or breakout space which can be used for small group tuition, seminars or presentations
  • large format retractable screen and portable floor mounted projector
  • fixed overhead digital projectors in each classroom
  • staffroom and toilets and
  • an outdoor deck.
Language classrooms were previously located in two different areas of the college. The ability to accommodate the whole language program in one purpose-built facility will provide a more convenient and flexible teaching and learning environment.

Upgrades to the college’s resource centre include the creation of a mezzanine floor with a glass balustrade which has increased the floor area while maximising the transmission of light, increased student seating capacity from 90 to 160, and a doubling of computers available to students.
 
The Hawk Theatre has also undergone a facelift with space restructured to provide a flexible learning and performing space. The entry foyer has been extended and restructured with display facilities and a new box office and kitchenette installed.
Lighting and acoustics have also been upgraded and three banks of electrically operated mobile seating provided.
 
These important upgrades are part of the of the ACT Government’s $523 million investment in building new schools where they are needed most and upgrading existing schools to make every school a great school.
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