The $10 million Goolwa Secondary College redevelopment has been completed ahead of its opening for the 2022 school year.

More than 80,000 hours of work went into the redevelopment which includes state-of the-art contemporary general learning areas, science laboratories, ideation studios, teacher hubs, a library known as the Knowledge Hub, performing arts and visual arts centres, and a design and technology centre.

Minister for Education John Gardner has toured the newly completed school, which will open to year 7 and 8s at the beginning of 2022, with incoming students and parents.

“It’s fantastic to see construction of Goolwa Secondary College complete with its state-of-the-art facilities which will set our young people on the pathway to future success,” he says.

“This investment has supported South Australian businesses to thrive with 180 local jobs created throughout the process, as well as 38 apprentices who engaged in work on top of that.”

Local Member for Finniss and Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham says this is an exciting milestone for families in the growing Goolwa area.

“Until now, Goolwa was the largest town in South Australia not to have its own local public high school so families are thrilled this facility is ready to welcome its first cohort of students next year.

“Goolwa Secondary College will be a real asset for the community as it continues to grow over the coming years and will form part of an education hub in the area with Goolwa’s primary school and children’s centre just down the road.”

Goolwa Secondary College Principal Rebecca Moore says she is beyond impressed with the work done to reinvigorate the existing facilities.

“Our learning spaces reflect what we know to be the very best in contemporary, flexible learning environments. They will be wonderful places for our students and teachers to learn and teach in.

“Goolwa Secondary College is a school for the community and we’re so excited to welcome our new students and their families ahead of opening in term 1 next year.”

The new specialist learning spaces were designed by Greenway Architects and built by Schiavello Construction.

Incoming students also had the opportunity to engage in the planning process of creating active and passive spaces throughout the site as well as playground design.

Term 1 starts on 31 January 2022.