June 2022 marks the opening of the new Brisbane South State Secondary College in Dutton Park, over 60 years since a new state school opened in Brisbane’s south.
The first day of school saw 466 students in Years 7 and 8 excitedly enter the $153.78-million, state-of-the-art building on 179 Annerley Rd. The new building is a standout, cited for its design at the recent Brisbane 2022 Australian Institute of Architects’ Regional Architecture Awards, alongside its designers BVN.
The new school maximises its space as a vertical school, with five storeys of learning hubs and extensive greenery to boost the wellbeing of the students and the aesthetics of the campus.
From an initial batch of 466 students, Brisbane South State Secondary College is expected to add a year level every year until it completes a Year 12 batch in 2026.
“Queensland is growing rapidly. And in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics, we’ll see extraordinary population growth here in Brisbane,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who was at the opening with Education Minister Grace Grace, said.
“We’re investing more in health and education than any government in Queensland’s history to cater for growth and ensure our young people can capitalise on the opportunities the next decade will bring.
“We’ll continue to invest in infrastructure like schools and hospitals to create jobs and ensure Queenslanders have access to great public services.”
“The new school features multiple buildings centred around an outdoor learning oasis, including a creative hub, administration hub, two innovative learning hubs, a health and wellbeing hub and a multipurpose hall,” Ms Grace said.
“It is fantastic to see the school running so well after a successful foundation year in 2021.
“A new oval and outdoor sports facility on Marshall Road in Rocklea will be ready for use for the start of school in 2023. It will include an amenities block, car park, and a playing field to suit sports such as AFL and cricket.”
Brisbane South State Secondary College Foundation Principal Kirsten Ferdinands will lead the school as it grows in the next few years. She said they are also looking forward to working in collaboration with the University of Queensland.
“Its remarkable facilities will give students access to unique on-campus experiences, educational pathways across research and entrepreneurship, and expertise and support through UQ’s Science of Learning.”
