Paul O'Halloran and Samantha Abblitt. Pictures: GEOFF ROBSON
Port Sorell Primary School has an internationally leading design, future-proofed for new directions in 21st century learning, principal Samantha Abblitt and education parliamentary secretary Paul O'Halloran believe.
The $13 million school has been built not only to service a growing Port Sorell population, but as a concrete example of the shift away from a primary school class learning from one teacher within the same four walls.
Mrs Abblitt said best practice dictated collaboration between teachers.
``So not only will teachers plan together, the set-up of the classrooms will allow them to implement programs together,'' she said.
``Teacher collaboration is about working smarter, not harder, and recognising that teachers have different talents and interests, and that children can learn from a variety of people in a variety of ways.
``Through this, children also get to make friends with a broader range, not just those in their own class.''
The school has three learning pods positioned around a central outdoor social hub - like a courtyard.
Each pod contains four separate classrooms, separated by collapsible doors, and a spacious teacher resource room attached to an indoor communal area that can fit 100 children.
Each classroom has large multi-touch television screens, and 90 iPads are spread throughout the school for use by children as young as four.
Outside each pod is a garden area, serviced by rainwater tanks, and raised beds allowing for children to grow plants, fruit and vegetables.
The school is equipped for a preschool program, Launching Into Learning, right through to grade 6, with after-hours care available to students.
The school is designed for community use too, with a multipurpose hall and grassed amphitheatre, which will host a Tasmania Symphony Orchestra performance in May.
Mrs Abblitt said the school would seek to involve community members in education programs once doors officially opened to pupils on Tuesday.
``Obviously there are teachers in our community and we want to encourage them to come in and instruct students as well,'' she said.
