Woods Bagot has been applauded by Bronwyn Pike, Victorian Minister for Education, for propelling forward Australia's education revolution through intelligent architectural design and campus master planning at Nossal High School.

Located within Monash University's Berwick Campus, Nossal High School recently welcomed its first selective entry group of 200 Year Nine students, all 14 to 15 years of age. The School's design is a direct response to the student's 'high-performing' needs and teaching requirements. And, with a view to support, not dictate learning methods, the series of adaptable future learning spaces incorporated will cater to Nossal’s forward-thinking education approach.

"The masterplan aims to create a prominent identity for Nossal - facilitating a strong partnership with Monash University and the unique architectural design. The buildings aspire to support Nossal’s innovative learning program as well as providing a stimulating and fun built environment. The result is a secondary school design which adopts best practice from several building typologies – not just schools,” said Sarah Ball, Principal.

Nossal comprises two buildings – the main works to accommodate all general and specialist teaching facilities, while the second building (which is soon to start construction) accommodates the music and drama faculties, in addition to a lecture theatre and sports hall.

“It is a student centred environment that is based around an open common spine that links visually and physically to all spaces, across all floors and creates socialising opportunities throughout the School despite its vertical nature.  There are a variety of spaces that respond to the pedagogical shift, creating an innovative and adaptable environment that will also foster a sense of community within the school.” said Sarah.

Best of all, the students love the building. “The students are proud of their school – they love the open plan and the modern look and feel and have been given significant input into the layout of rooms and furniture selection. As Principal it was a wonderful experience to lead the classes of students through the building for the first time and hear the many audible “Wows” and expressions of joy and appreciation when they actually walked through their building and saw where they would be working” - Roger Page, Principal of Nossal High School.