Bright future ahead for Baldivis College

• Brand new $44m college south of Perth officially opened

• Baldivis Secondary College is first public secondary school in area

The new $44million Baldivis Secondary College was officially opened today and visited by Education Minister Peter Collier. It is the first public secondary school to be established in the growing area.

Mr Collier said the state-of-the-art college was catering for future generations in the rapidly-expanding community, which had experienced significant population growth in recent years.

"Baldivis Secondary College is a new Independent Public School which is providing outstanding education opportunities for families with children in Baldivis, Makybe Rise and Settlers Hills," he said.

"The construction of the college is being carried out over two stages and year 8 students have been learning in the completed stage one facilities since February.

"As we approach the end of first half of the school year, I am delighted to see students thriving in this wonderful learning environment."

The innovative building received a commendation from the Council of Educational Facility Planners International at their annual awards ceremony held in New Zealand in May.

"The college's cutting edge architecture has already won high praise for its high green rating and environmentally friendly design after being chosen from more than 50 entries across the Australasian region," the Minister said.

Facilities include two double-storey buildings with classrooms and science area; a library resource centre; performing arts space; sports hall; and student services area.

"The State Government has also invested $40million for the second stage of the college, which will incorporate arts, media and senior school facilities for a further 700 students," Mr Collier said.

A further $13.5million in State Government funding was allocated for a new standalone learning facility to accommodate year 7 students. Construction of this facility is due begin at the end of the year so the college will be well placed to welcome year 7 students when they move to secondary school in 2015.

       Fact File

• Other student facilities already available include: technology and enterprise learning centres; food technology room; and football oval, hockey pitch and two tennis courts

• On completion of stage 2 facilities and the year 7 building, Baldivis Secondary College will be able to accommodate up to 1,450 students

Minister's office - 6552 6300