An $11 million redevelopment of Exeter High School has been completed, featuring contemporary learning areas and upgraded facilities designed to serve the growing community.
Education Minister Jo Palmer said the major upgrade includes new Years 7-8 and 9-10 learning hubs, outdoor breakout areas, refurbished student bathrooms and a modern commercial kitchen.
“When we invest in high-quality, well-designed spaces, we are investing directly in teaching, in learning and in the engagement and wellbeing of every student who walks through these doors,” Palmer said.
The transformation also includes a new outdoor courtyard beside the library, an upgraded kitchen with state-of-the-art equipment and a new bus shelter.
Acting Principal Jacquie Everson said students were enjoying the new facilities since returning to school.
“These spaces enable students to be really connected with our school and to be connected with their learning,” she said.
Year 10 student leaders praised the comfortable learning environments.
“Some people may feel maybe pressured by other students, but if you’re learning with people you enjoy learning with, you will enjoy learning in that area more,” student Raywin Ford-King said.
The bright lime green kitchen has been replaced with modern whites and metal finishes.
“It’s much better cooking without the bright green and everything,” student Kelsie Seen said.
Palmer said the project was delivered through collaboration between students, community members, teachers and families who identified what the school needed.
The redevelopment is being delivered in addition to a broader $188 million government project to upgrade 15 priority schools across Tasmania.
Schools are selected through departmental audits considering factors like building age, safety issues and community growth.
The project was designed by local firm Morrison and Breytenbach Architects and constructed by Tas City Building.
