18/12/07
Premier Alan Carpenter today announced a $25million plan to turn Ellenbrook Secondary College into a senior high school by 2010.
Stage Two of the development will see the construction of two buildings enabling the college to offer Year 11 courses in 2010 and Year 12 courses in 2011.
The $30.5million first stage of the school, purpose-built for students in Years 7 to 10, was opened last February with 306 Year 7 and 8 students. The City of Swan contributed $5.3million and the State Government put in $25.2million.
"Students living in the catchment area have previously had to travel to Hampton Senior High School, Lockridge Senior High School or Governor Stirling Senior High School to complete their Year 11 and 12 studies," Mr Carpenter said.
"The decision to complete the construction of a senior high school in Ellenbrook now means the end of long daily journeys for high school students living in the area.
"Instead, they will have a spacious, state-of-the-art public school with outstanding facilities right on their doorstep.
"The college is already looking forward to welcoming Year 9 students in 2008 and Year 10 students the following year, before achieving full senior high school status in 2010.
"By the completion of this project, Ellenbrook students will have a new and world-class school which will provide a positive and productive learning environment for many years to come."
Swan Hills MLA Jaye Radisich was thrilled with today's announcement.
"I am so proud that the Carpenter Government has again recognised Ellenbrook as an important, and growing, regional centre, and has committed funds to ensure world-class public education for local students up to Year 12," Ms Radisich said.
"I have advocated on behalf of the Ellenbrook community about the importance of extending Ellenbrook Secondary College to cater for years 11 and 12, so it pleases me no end that the State Government is delivering.
"In its first year of operation, Ellenbrook Secondary College has developed a strong reputation and school spirit, and I look forward to that strong start continuing in the future."
The Premier said tenders would be called for Stage Two in late 2008. Construction is expected to start in early 2009, with completion of the various stages to take place throughout 2010.
The new Stage Two building works will comprise two new buildings which will include:
- eight science laboratories with associated preparation rooms, stores and computing area;
- materials technology area including woodwork and metalwork studios, machine room and technical graphics studio;
- 10 general upper school classrooms;
- education support classroom;
- lecture theatre;
- resource/activity area;
- three computer laboratories; and
- fitness centre and health education classroom.
External works will include four new tennis courts while additions and refurbishments will also be made to the existing Stage One buildings, including new textiles and visual arts studios.
Mr Carpenter said the State Government was using Western Australia's strong economy to provide better education facilities for all young Western Australians.
"We are spending more than $1billion on capital works projects at schools across the State," he said.
"We are spending $300million on upgrades, a further $300million on school maintenance and we have built, planned or announced 43 new schools, worth more than $400million."
Premier's office - 9222 9475
