Specialist School

Safe, secure and stimulating environments empowering learners of all abilities The Sale and District Specialist School project saw the consolidation of its three existing campuses into a single purpose-built facility on a greenfield site. The result? A single, vibrant community of learners empowered to build upon their individual abilities. "The school and community are thrilled with the result, an educational environment that is safe and secure while challenging, with the flexibility to meet the need of learners with special needs now and into the future." - Shelagh Donegan, Principal Three new learning homesteads housing the junior, middle and senior years plus dedicated administration and multi-purpose buildings wrap a central plaza to foster a sense of community at the campus heart. Appropriately sized external courtyards break down the building mass and reduce the need for fencing, creating a less institutional and more nurturing environment. Student stress levels have significantly reduced in these new learning environments due to effective acoustic treatments, a calming visual palette and the availability of natural light. Students can also access smaller quiet zones, both externally and internally, which enable them to self-regulate feeling overwhelmed within the larger learning spaces. Photography by Rhiannon Slatter.