Massive school modernisation unveiled

Students at Western Australia's only academically-selective public school should benefit from a massive school upgrade.

Education Minister Liz Constable today officially opened new facilities worth $31.5million at Perth Modern School in Subiaco.

Dr Constable said the upgrade was the result of the biggest injection of capital funding the school had ever received.

Under the project, the school received five new buildings including a performing arts centre, library, cafeteria, and design and technology workshops.

The new facilities also included media, arts and photography studios.

The Minister said the new facilities meant staff could provide an outstanding education in vastly improved surroundings for some of the State's brightest students.

"Perth Modern School has developed a proud tradition since opening its doors in 1911," Dr Constable said.

"It was WA's first public senior secondary school, offering a modern education to students with strong academic abilities, and turning out graduates including a prime minister, governor-general and 15 Rhodes Scholars.

"Thanks to this major upgrade, the school is now well equipped to provide a 21st century education to gifted students."

In 2007, Perth Modern School returned to academically selective schooling.

By 2011, the school's centenary, all students from Year 8 to 12 will have earned their place in the school through a rigorous academic selection process.