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Catholic Education South Australia
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26 Aug 2022
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LAYING DOWN ROOTS

A new outdoor learning area has won St Francis de Sales College, Mount Barker national recognition for innovation and excellence in learning.


The Alive Catholic Early Learning Centre and R-6 Primary Facilities took out the award for Landscaping/Outdoor Learning Area at the recent Learning Environments Australasia Awards for Excellence in Educational Facility Design. It follows two state awards in 2021.

As well as a kitchen garden, amphitheatre social space, natural water play and investigative nature garden, there are also shared spaces for co-teaching opportunities.

“Each student year level has access to three teachers, working in partnership to offer complementary skillsets such as literacy and numeracy, design and tech, and art and creative arts,” principal Gavin McGlaughlin says.

“It is a much more collaborative, co-supportive approach to getting the very best structures in place for the young learners.”

St Francis de Sales was the only South Australian school to be recognised at the awards.

“The recognition is nice but the biggest reward is to see students enjoying the outdoor environment, whether as part of their learning or at playtime,” Mr McGlaughlin says.

 

WORDS: Lynn Cameron.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Russell Millard.
Featured in the SA Catholic Schools Magazine, published in The Advertiser, August 13 2022.

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