Flinders launches new precinct

Matthew Flinders Anglican College aims to provide high quality, functional, expertly designed facilities as part of its 15-year master plan.

An innovative precinct for Year 7 students is the first finished project of Matthew Flinders Anglican College’s $30 million master plan.

The two-storey, state-of-the-art precinct is an agile and technology-rich space for students to learn and develop the skills of collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, communication, citizenship and character.

At Flinders, Year 7 marks the beginning of secondary school and also of the middle school journey.

The new precinct gives the Year 7 students a dedicated space to grow as a cohort and develop a sense of belonging, confidence and connectedness as they transition into the secondary school.

The precinct features three science laboratories and three general-purpose classrooms that can be opened into one large collaborative space. There is also ‘The Hive’, a breakout space for students to brainstorm, present, discuss and relax, and ‘The Bungaree Room’ which provides a space for staff to meet in their professional learning teams.

The expansive verandas provide views of the college’s manicured sports oval and rainforest, and are designed for use as peaceful breakout learning spaces and also for students to gather at break times.

A popular design aspect is the giant courtyard artwork of the periodic table of elements, set into the tiles on the ground floor – a playful invitation to learn.

Principal Stuart Meade said Flinders, located at Buderim, had a 15-year master plan for the future.

“Our vision is to ensure the college continues to strive for excellence,” Mr Meade said.

“We want to provide high quality, functional, expertly designed facilities that are richly integrated with the latest technology to support effective teaching and learning.

“The new Year 7 Precinct is the first project to be completed as part of our college’s master plan and we are very proud to open its doors to our Year 7s.

“It is wonderful to see the students’ excitement as they settle in and explore the limitless opportunities for learning that this facility enables.”