Digital learning supported in New Plymouth school upgrades

Construction is about to get underway on projects at New Plymouth's Spotswood College and the wharekura Te Pi'ipi'inga Kakano Mai Rangiatea.

Spotswood College is developing a new $2 million learning support centre for students with special educational needs, while the $1.6 million project at Te Pi'ipi'inga Kakano Mai Rangiatea will deliver four extra classrooms to help meet roll growth.

Nikki Kay, Associate Education Minister, says the new four classroom block will help the wharekura accommodate an increase in students as more whanau in the region choose a Maori medium education for their children.

"This project will deliver an innovative learning environment, with flexible learning spaces to enable different ways of teaching and learning, the latest IT infrastructure to support digital learning, and high standards of acoustics, lighting and ventilation.

A second stage to the redevelopment is being planned to accommodate future roll growth.

The Spotswood College learning support centre will be a state-of- the-art facility, which will replace an existing building with weather tightness issues.

"The new centre will be the equivalent of four learning spaces, compared to the existing single classroom facility. This will help cater for projected roll growth in the region," says Kaye.

"It's essential that students with learning support needs receive the same educational opportunities as their peers, and the new facility will help ensure this happens. It will be located at the heart of the school, so that students feel included in the wider school community.

Kaye says the two projects in New Plymouth are part of ongoing work in the regions, as well as larger centres, to upgrade and expand school infrastructure.

"We want students to learn in environments that inspire them to achieve to the best of their ability, which is why we're transforming schools to address legacy issues and providing the extra classrooms needed to accommodate growing rolls.