Minister opens new $34million Ashdale Secondary College

Education Minister Liz Constable today officially opened the $34million first stage of the new Ashdale Secondary College in Darch.

The college opened in February with its first intake of 143 Year Eight students on a temporary site at Madeley Primary School, and moved to its new buildings in July.

Dr Constable said the college's outstanding facilities would ensure the best possible education for generations of students.

"Ashdale Secondary College's futuristic facilities and buildings are ideal for the information and technological age, and will help ensure students are well prepared for the challenges of 21st century life," she said.

"The college already has a number of unique programs in partnership with education providers, industry and business, including Microsoft, Apple, SciTech and Edith Cowan University."

Principal Carol Strauss said the opening was the culmination of hard work by students, staff and parents.

"Today's opening heralds our emergence as a science and technology school and with specialist teachers in each area, we are ensuring every child has the skills and knowledge to achieve their potential," Ms Strauss said.

Ashdale Secondary College, and Ashdale, Landsdale and Madeley primary schools have been selected to form a cluster of independent public schools.

The Minister said this selection would give the four schools greater freedom to make decisions that best suited the local communities.

"The partnership between the four schools will give students in Ashdale and surrounding areas a seamless education from Kindergarten to Year 12," she said.

Designed by Donaldson and Warn Architects and built by Broad Construction Services Pty Ltd, the school's facilities include:

·                learning community block

·                administration area

·                Year 10 music and media facilities

·                visual arts and performing arts block

·                library and cafe block

·                design technology.

Planning is under way for the school's second phase, which will enable the school to offer Year 11 and 12 courses.