Breaking Ground on Future Foundations
Amid record enrolments and growing waitlists in the Senior School, Westminster is preparing to lay the foundations for its new $25 million Preparatory Centre for Learning.
Construction is now underway on the purpose-built facility for students in Reception to Year 3, marking a significant milestone in the School’s continued investment in exceptional learning environments.
Over the past six years, enrolments at Westminster have almost doubled alongside the delivery of five major capital builds, reflecting the School’s sustained investment in contemporary facilities and strong confidence in its educational vision.
Acting Principal, Andrew Whiteman said the project reflects deliberate and long-term investment in environments that elevate learning.
“This Preparatory School redevelopment represents a clear and considered commitment to ensuring our facilities match the ambition of our educational vision around Adventurous Learning,” Mr Whiteman said.
“We are continuing to invest in spaces that are contemporary, purposeful and designed to support the evolving needs of learners, strengthening Westminster’s position as a leader in future-focused education.”
Designed by Brown Falconer and delivered by Partek Constructions and Interiors, the Preparatory Centre for Learning will feature flexible and technology-enabled classrooms, dedicated art and STEM spaces, collaborative project areas and immersive outdoor environments that foster wellbeing, resilience and inquiry.
Alongside the physical redevelopment, Westminster is undertaking a comprehensive review of its curriculum to better support the evolving needs of children, while intentionally leveraging the breadth of facilities available across its 23-hectare Marion campus.
Head of Preparatory School, Simon McKenzie said the new Centre and curriculum renewal together represent a holistic investment in the early years.
“The early years shape how children see themselves as learners,” Mr McKenzie said.
“This purpose-built environment, alongside a refined and responsive curriculum, will allow us to create experiences where every child can develop voice, agency and a strong sense of belonging.
“Importantly, it also strengthens our ability to connect our youngest learners with the breadth of facilities across the School, from the hands-on learning environments of Sturt Grove Farm to the creative opportunities within the Michael Murray Centre for Performing Arts, ensuring their educational journey is rich, expansive and deeply connected from the very beginning.”