First phase of Willetton High upgrade unveiled

• $39.2 million rebuild opened at flagship southern suburbs secondary school
• Science, arts and technology learning set for a boost

The outstanding academic opportunities at Willetton Senior High School have reached new heights with the addition of several new buildings and specialist facilities.

As part of stage one of the multimillion-dollar upgrade of the school, a new two-storey science building, including an observatory, has been constructed so students can study astronomy.

Officially opening the facilities, Education Minister Peter Collier said the upgrade, worth nearly $40 million, would mean Willetton Senior High School's students would have expanded learning opportunities.

"It is pleasing to see the students' endeavours in science and technology are being further advanced by access to these state-of-the-art facilities," Mr Collier said.

"Arts education is also boosted with a new dedicated media and arts two-storey building, and an extension and refurbishment of the performance area."

The stage one redevelopment included:

• a new two-storey classroom building, an education support classroom, staff studies and lecture theatre
• a new two-storey arts, media and music building
• an extension and refurbishment of the performing arts area
• a new two-storey science building
• a new two-storey IT and business studies building; a new single-storey technology and enterprise building
• an extension of the gymnasium.

Fact file

• A tender process is under way for stage two of the upgrade, which is expected to be completed in 2017
• Willetton Senior High School has 2,226 students
• Once installed in the observatory, a new telescope will be used by students in all years to study astronomy during science lessons

Minister's office -  6552 6300