When a school announces that as part of its next decade's master-plan it intends to build a sandpit, one might consider that good news for the youngsters, but wonder "Why all the fuss?" Add the letters "ICT" to the start and suddenly everyone's excited – which is what's happening at Carey Baptist Grammar School since releasing details for its new Centre for Learning and Innovation.
More than a simple room, the Information and Communication Technology sandpit "will extend the potential and possibilities for all students and staff in their learning journeys," by bringing together a range of technologies in a way that encourages collaboration, communication and creativity.
Personal best: Carey students achieve in a curriculum tailored to their interests and abilities.
The centre, due to open in 2016, will include an Information Resource Centre, audio visual "imaginariums, a Cabinet Room, PERMA rooms (encouraging Positive Emotions, Engagement, Positive Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishments), and a United Nations room".
Principal Philip Grutzner says: "This room will highlight the intersection between Carey's values of integrity, service, spirituality, teamwork, thinking and wellbeing, with those of the United Nations."
Carey principal Philip Grutzner.
Carey's master-plan details its commitment to student-centred learning, quality staff, wellbeing and positive education, inspiring buildings and resources and sustainable operations. Also encompassed in its ideology is a sense of responsibility to provide high quality education to some who might otherwise not be able to attend such a school.
The K-Y12 school offers Academic scholarships for the intake years of 7, 10 and 11 and occasionally General Excellence scholarships. "We regularly offer Humanitarian scholarships, which support our strong commitment to social justice," says Mr Grutzner.
"These students, who may have come to Carey as refugees or with significant physical disabilities, don't necessarily receive the high ATAR scores that attract newspaper headlines, but they get their VCE and fully embrace the Carey program – adding a great and important cultural mix to our school."
"Their example of resilience and hard work is a fine example for the rest of the school community. For some of these students, their first few years of life were spent in refugee camps or orphanages facing significant hardship. This gives us all a great perspective when we think of the hurdles they have had to overcome to be at Carey."
"Ahmed Kelly was one such recent alumnus. Ahmed represented Australia in the 2012 London Paralympics. Ahmed finished fourth which meant no Paralympic medal, but he won the hearts and minds of all in our Carey and the wider community."
"Carey appreciates the "skills, values and pursuit of excellence" scholarship students bring to the school.
For prospective families, Mr Grutzner advises researching the school to make sure there is "a good fit between your values and the school's".
Scholarship applications for 2016 entry close on Friday, February 6, 2015. For more information go to: carey.com.au