Queenstown Primary School Embraces New Learning Space

Queenstown Primary School’s new classroom block will enjoy its official opening on the 23rd of March with special guest, the Minister of Education Anne Tolley.

For the first time in almost a decade, the Queenstown school has experienced growth in the form of a new permanent 537m2 classroom block consisting of five open learning studios, two withdrawal teaching spaces, teacher resource rooms and bathroom facilities. Construction was completed in December 2009 ensuring the school was ready for the 2010 school year.

The new block embraces the Ministry of Education’s new approach to learning with flexible spaces and does away with traditional features like teacher’s desks within classrooms. During the planning and construction phases the school’s Property Group was slightly apprehensive about the new building due to the revolutionary approach to education the structure brings with it. However, after almost a full term in operation, both the staff and students love the flexibility of the new block.

Principal John Western is delighted with the new addition to the school and welcomes this change in learning environments.

“This is an outstanding block to work in. The spaces complement each other and the teaching staff have done a wonderful job to make this block a community of Year 7 learners.”

Arrow International has been engaged in a long-term partnership with the school’s Property Group and teaching staff; designing the block and assisting with funding applications since early 2008.

Queenstown Primary School Board Chair, Noel Saxon, is impressed with the results produced by the Arrow team.

"We are extremely proud of our new classroom block. This is thanks to a dedicated project team and hardworking contractors who combined to produce an outstanding result."