Catholic Education South Australia has announced that Nazareth Catholic Community will open a new campus at Kidman Park to cater exclusively for Year 11 and 12s.
The campus, with initial cost estimates of approximately $50M, will open in 2023 and be Catholic Education SA’s first purpose-built standalone campus for Year 11 and 12 students.
The Reception - Year 12 College – which already has campuses at Findon and Flinders Park – is SA’s largest Catholic School with 2045 enrolments. The site will initially cater for 500 senior students and is expected to expand to cater for up to 800 students.
“We are pleased to be strengthening our provision of Catholic schooling in the western suburbs,” says Professor Denis Ralph, Chair, South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools.
“The expansion will continue to support the unprecedented enrolment demand for a Catholic education. We are also mindful of the high demand for primary school places in the western suburbs, and at Nazareth in particular, and work is currently underway to address this situation.”
Enrolments in Catholic Schools across the State grew by over 1,600 students (3.5%) this year, with more students expected to join Catholic schools in July as part of the midyear intake of Reception students.
“These specialist facilities will ensure senior students at Nazareth have access to the latest technology and learning environments.” says Professor Ralph.
The brand-new facility will effectively duplicate the facilities currently available to students at Flinders Park Campus.
“It will include general learning spaces, student hubs for collaboration and self-directed study, a performing arts space, music suite, food and technology kitchens, design and technology spaces, engineering and STEM facilities, arts, sciences, a double court gymnasium, outdoor oval areas, weights and fitness facilities, a café, student services and administration spaces,” explains Principal, Andrew Baker.
“The campus will accommodate large car parking areas, pick up and drop off zones, cycling racks and is in close proximity to public transport. The site is ideally located approximately 1.6km from both the Flinders Park and Findon campuses.”
The announcement comes as the College prepares to welcome a record number of Year 7s in 2022.
“This expansion allows us to continue to reimagine how we deliver curriculum and create community in a modern and ever-changing context,” he says.
“As always, we are committed to working closely with students, families, staff and our community to deliver excellence in teaching and learning through the delivery of contemporary and innovative education.
“We will be providing opportunities for consultation and collaboration and further information about this will be communicated in the coming weeks.”
The announcement is part of the broader commitment to strengthen Catholic Education pathways across the State. Catholic Education SA opened a new campus of Xavier College in Two Wells earlier this year and will open a new Catholic Secondary College in the Riverland in 2022.
Choosing a school for your child is one of the biggest decisions you make as a parent. So how do you find the ‘right’ one?
