Our school is set amongst 10.8 hectares of beautiful bushland adjoining the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and its protected stands of native turpentine’s. Our students derive significant benefit from these natural, tranquil surroundings as they provide a relaxed atmosphere in which to learn and socialise.
The Margaret Preston hall
Named after Margaret Preston, a local resident of the Berowra area, and one of Australia's foremost female painters, this multi-purpose facility adapts to a variety of functions from meetings to sport and dramatic performances. Its unique bini shell design was advanced technology at the time of construction. It is a reinforced concrete thin-shell structure that was lifted and shaped by low air pressure and this technology was invented in the 1960s by Dr Dante Bini.
Catherine Jinks library
Our library is dedicated to acclaimed author and former student Catherine Jinks, whose 30 plus books for children, youths and adults have been translated into many foreign languages. The library is a user-friendly learning resource centre available to all students, staff and parents/care-givers of the school.
Our dedicated librarian works with teachers and students to improve learning outcomes for all students and to foster a love of life-long learning. The air-conditioned teaching and learning areas include three separate lounge areas where students can relax and read, as well as seminar rooms that are suitable for small group activities and senior study areas.
Library computers are available for student use and are connected to the school's computer network with internet access available at all terminals. As well as fiction and non-fiction texts, the library offers access to current media and click to view online which teachers use extensively to further enhance students' learning experiences. Photocopying and laser printing services are available.
The library is open from 8.30am to 3.30pm from Monday to Friday (other times by arrangement).
Art facilities
There are three purpose built art classrooms:
- one featuring a kiln for glazing or jewellery making
- an art cottage for painting classes as well as a dark room
- and a dedicated digital computer lab for digital photography and design projects.
Science laboratories
The recently refurbished science laboratories are well equipped with separate areas for practical and theoretical work. The labs are wired for data projector and computer connection, with acoustic ceilings and display boards installed to minimise noise. New roller blinds have been installed to allow each lab to be darkened for optics experiments.
Student workbenches have water, gas, electricity and modern fume cupboards which allow chemistry demonstrations to be conducted safely. Preparation rooms and the chemical storeroom have been refurbished to facilitate efficient organisation of equipment and lesson materials.
Hospitality kitchens
Two semi-commercial kitchens with a fantastic outlook over the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park ensure our hospitality students enjoy the perfect environment for practical and demonstration lessons all year round.
Recently upgraded with stainless steel benches, new tiles and flooring, and fully-ducted exhaust systems, the kitchens are extremely well resourced. Commercial cookery equipment includes gas ovens, chargrill, large flat grill, salamander, deep fryers, mixers and a variety of saucepans, frypans and other essential items.
Sporting facilities
Sports fields are in abundance and include a full sized synthetic grass hockey pitch, a full sized and mini soccer fields, two outside basketball courts, two tennis courts (recently refurbished), a multi-purpose oval adjacent to the Margaret Preston Hall and practice cricket nets. There is also a dance studio, allowing for students to pursue their interest in the performing arts as they study a variety of styles.
Technology
The school has over 100 computer work stations, four computer labs, and wireless networking across the school buildings. All classrooms have data projectors and many have interactive whiteboards. A full time technical support officer manages the bring your own device (BYOD) program for students in all year groups.