Eight Schools Changing the Face of Education

Schools across Australia have transitioned into the digital age to increase learning capabilities—and security.

There are 9614 schools in Australia, including 33 new additions since 2021, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Victoria had the biggest increase, gaining 12 schools in one year, followed by Queensland (9) and NSW (8), in 2022.

While there was the equivalent of more than one new school opened every two weeks in that time, there was a greater investment in upgrading schools. 

Yarrabilba State Secondary College deputy principal Janelle Whatmore said the school had opened its doors in 2020 with 250 students and 50 staff.

“Since that time we have doubled the student numbers and expect to double again in the next few years,” Whatmore said.

One of the features to bring the school into a new age of education was upgrading security using smart door locks by Salto.

“Across the campus grounds it was quite common for staff to need up to seven keys,” Whatmore said.

The new smart devices replace all of those key.

They not only open doors but can also be programmed to access photocopiers and other support equipment; customised for specific access for visitors, such as contractors; and decommissioned if misplaced.

As the heart of communites, established and developing, in Australia, our schools are leading the way in the adoption and promotion of new technology to better deliver education, and ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and staff.

Here are six leading education projects shaping future Australian minds… 

Green Square Public School

3 Joynton Avenue, Zetland, NSW

The new Sydney school will feature 24-fit-for-purpose learning spaces providing educational space by day and community facilities by night. The flexible and functional space is a key part of the developing success of the region as a whole.

Trinity Grammar

40 Charles Street, Kew, Victoria

This 120-year-old school has grown to more than 1600 students and has upgraded to 30 buildings across two precincts. Salto Space Systems are being employed to manage staff access with a virtual data-on-card-network to update locks as users move around the buildings.

Inner Sydney High School

Corner of Cleveland and Chalmers streets, Surry Hills, NSW

This project, delivered in 2020, turned the existing Cleveland Street English High School into a 14-storey high-rise facility. Initiatives included energy metering and monitoring, energy efficient lighting, lift destination controls, PV energy system, maximising natural daylight penetration, and improving active and sustainable travel.

Fortitude Valley State Secondary College

Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Qld

Opened in 2020, this school was the first of two new vertical education facilities for Brisbane’s inner city. The school’s design includes the adaptive reuse of the original school along with adding an innovation hub, high-tech labs and workshops. 

Adelaide Botanic High School

2 Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA

The design for the $98-million next stage for the popular Adelaide high school was revealed last year and includes space for the predicted 700 extra students that goesup, not out. The design includes exposed ceiling to show students how the building is constructed, internal cafe and rooftop basketball court. 

Yarrabilba State Secondary College

22/60 McKinnon Drive, Yarrabilba, Queensland

Although Yarrabilba SSC is one of the smaller schools on this list, it is a prime example of how new schools in emerging communities can be designed. The college was part of Lendlease’s master planned community in Logan and among five schools and a TAFE in the region. Swapping out keys for smart door locks by Salto was among a raft of changes to take this school into the new age.