Providing a dynamic, customisable and engaging learning environment helps ensure students from all walks of life are inspired to achieve their best. Reimagining a heritage-classified school to accommodate a growing student population in ways that invigorate and excite both the student and teaching population demands deep, connected thinking and a curiosity for understanding.

Bourke Street Public School (BSPS) is an inner-city school established in 1880, housed in heritage classified buildings. The school caters for the needs of children from a diverse, multicultural community and provides quality education in a safe and happy school environment. BSPS is a fast-growing school with increasing enrolments. We prepared alternative concept design options following the completion of an Educational Principles study with New Learning Environments. These were endorsed by the DEC Project Steering Committee in the preparation of alternative design concepts for the proposed accommodation.

The preferred option is on two levels with the new home bases located on the second level above the hall and library. Our concept conserves valuable site area for open outdoor activities and possible future development. The new home bases contribute a positive focus to the learning environment and are very flexible, allowing customisation to suit a range of learning styles and teaching methods.