The Marshall Liberal Government is investing $1.3 billion into capital projects to improve school facilities across the state, support sustainable enrolment growth in government schools and transition Year 7 into high school.
This includes an additional $185 million provisioned in 2019-20 State Budget.
Analysis shows that around 10,000 places will be needed at 36 high schools over the next four years to accommodate an increased number of students enrolled in government schools across the state. The suite of capital works includes the following:
- A $56.6 million package to improve facilities and meet projected enrolment at: Roma Mitchell Secondary College, Port Augusta Secondary School, Nuriootpa High School, Mark Oliphant College, Eastern Fleurieu R-12 School, Playford International College, Seaview High School, Golden Grove High School, Heathfield High School and Mount Compass Area School.
- $39.9 million for Norwood Morialta High School to co-locate on the Parade Campus and grow to 1,700 places.
- $32.5 million for Unley High School to grow to 1,700 places while delivering its preexisting master plan.
- $29.2 million for Glenunga International High School to grow to 2,200 places.
- $22 million in new funding to deliver priority projects at Blackwood High School, Craigmore High School, Golden Grove High School, Heathfield High School, Henley High School, Kapunda High School, Mount Compass Area School, Seaview High School and Wirreanda High School. This funding is in addition to their existing capital works budgets.
- $18 million for Adelaide High School to grow to 1,800 places.
- $13.8 million for Brighton Secondary School to grow to 1,800 places.
Glossop High School will also receive $17.2 million to bring together its two campuses and accommodate all year levels on the Berri Senior Campus, creating capacity for 800 Year 7 to 12 students.
$13 million is being invested in a fleet of flexible learning spaces that can be deployed across schools experiencing short term enrolment spikes if needed, increasing capacity across the system by 650 students. This includes classrooms and specialist learning areas such as science labs and art rooms.
It is expected that these spaces will help to address capacity pressures while the new north and south schools are being built.
$10.3 million is being invested in disability funding to create 180 new places in special units and special classes across government high schools.
Education Minister John Gardner said the suite of works provisioned in this year's budget would ensure that the education system is ready for 2022 and beyond.
"The Marshall Liberal Government is committed to delivering world-class education that achieves growth for every child, in every class, in every school," said Minister Gardner.
"This investment ensures our public education system is prepared for increasing enrolment pressures across the state and delivers modern facilities that enhance the educational experiences of South Australian students.
"We need our Year 7 students to be taught by specialist teachers in the specialist setting offered in high schools, as designed in the national curriculum, and by 2022 South Australian students will no longer be left behind their counterparts in other states.
"Our investment into Glossop High School will have many benefits to the school and the local community, creating a unified campus with modern state-of-the-art facilities.
"Delivering a fleet of flexible learning areas provides a cost-effective and quality solution to capacity issues across the education system. They will be particularly effective in supporting enrolment pressures while new schools in the north and south are built.
"I am also pleased that the needs of students with disabilities are being addressed, with the Government investing in new facilities and ensuring that the learning needs of these students continue to be met."
