Earlier this term saw the opening of the Senior Studies Centre, a state-of-the-art flexible learning space for Year 12 students.
Situated in the first-floor annexe of Community House and with easy access to the Eunice Library through the Piazza, the facility is designed so students can engage in both independent and collaborative work.
The development of the Senior Studies Centre is in response to the way students now study in the senior phase of learning. Many students in Years 11 and 12 will only study five subjects, leaving six spare periods a week for their own individual study. The new centre provides additional, dedicated space Year 12 students can utilise for private study, assessment and homework tasks, group work, research and meetings, during their spare periods and before and after school.
The space is equipped with individual corrals, group study areas, printing facilities, and a kitchen with fridges, a dishwasher and eating area. The adjacent former Independent Learning Centre was transformed into an additional science classroom and office space for the Years 11 and 12 Heads of Year and Student Support Officer, giving students easy access to staff for assistance.
The response from the Year 12 students has been very positive.
The opening of the new Senior Studies Centre has brought about an amazing new independent study space and incredibly resourceful kitchen area for senior students. It also provides valuable opportunities for collaborations and study groups in a designated group work area where open discussions are encouraged and can take place without disrupting other students. The convenient opening times and advantageous facilities in the new centre provide the perfect space for meetings, collaborations and individual study throughout the day. Julia Elks
Firstly, for me a space must feel comfortable, spacious and have an aesthetic appeal to make it a welcoming study environment, and the new SSC ticks all those boxes! The two rooms accommodating individual and group study mean our cohort can share and make use of the space without disrupting each other. I am especially excited about the fact that as a boarder I can use the space after hours for individual study. The kitchen facilities are amazing and complete with all the essentials including a toasty machine needed to help get through the day. Chloe Fenwicke
I use the SSC during my spares as I find it's a quiet place to get my work done. The sparkling water tap and toastie machines are also a highlight for many of us, which we take full advantage of during our breaks. Charlotte Hood
The new study centre has been amazing in providing a quiet space for Year 12s to study all throughout the school day, from morning to night. In the centre there are two study rooms, one for individual work and one for group work, which has been great as it accommodates everyone’s study preferences. We also have a kitchen and dining space which has been very useful for spares and lunchtimes as we can make tea, coffee and even toasties in our very own space. Boarders are also allowed to use it during Prep time, which is great for study as it is quiet space that is also separate from our rooms which I find helps me work more efficiently during Prep. Ashleigh Witenden
The Senior Studies Centre will operate in line with senior library opening hours. In the evening on school days it will be used for Year 12 boarder prep and will also be open to senior boarders on the weekends.
There are future plans for a Year 11 Studies Centre within a back area of Eunice Library.