The Innovation Learning Centre (ILC

The Innovation Learning Centre

The Head of the English Faculty, Mrs Emma Wynne-Jones, sat down with Principal, Mr Ian Wake, to learn more about the Innovation Learning Centre and its future impacts on the St Paul’s community.

What does ILC stand for?

ILC stands for Innovation Learning Centre. The building links the STEM facilities, bringing maths and science together to create a sense of commonality and transdisciplinary learning into the space.

Have you ever led a project like the ILC before?

At William Carey, my previous school, we completed quite an extensive building program involving multiple projects. We built a whole Pre-K precinct, extended the school hall, and built a trade training centre, which included a state-of-the-art metals engineering laboratory. The entire program took around 18 months, and construction of each project occurred simultaneously.

What have been the challenges of getting the ILC off the ground?

There have been a few challenges! At the beginning of the process, the school was successful in an application for a capital grant for a reasonable sum, from the Block Grant Authority, but it was only enough for us to be able to build part of the building. Consequently, it was our original intention to complete the project in stages. However, we then applied for an alternative grant for a larger sum of money, and our success meant that we were able to change our plans and designs, to complete the building at one time.

After all the required preparation for the project had been completed, including the building design and development application, the next complication hit – COVID. Before much of the practical work had begun, the Board wisely decided to pause construction, as we didn’t know what the impact of the pandemic was going to be in terms of enrolments and finances, and because of the general uncertainty during that time.

What kind of challenges have you encountered related to the physical construction of the building itself?

Rain, rain, and more rain. Initially, the builders estimated that construction of the building would be complete by October, an aggressive timeline, but feasible due to the relatively simple building design. Essentially, the building is a box with a fancy roof, although with great proportionality. It is the simplicity of its design that has provided the builders a great deal of efficiency and ease of construction, with structures consisting of straight lines, rather than curves or complex corners.

Construction began nine weeks late due to harsh weather. Material supply issues and skills shortages that grew in significance following the pandemic also caused delays throughout the build. One example of this is gyprocking. In theory, due to the design and magnitude of the building, six teams of plasterers could be working simultaneously; however, at times, only three teams were available due to workforce shortages.

In the process so far, can you pick a moment when you felt real excitement?

When I received the phone call from AIS (Australian Independent Schools) to say that we were successful for the larger grant. It was this moment for two reasons – because without the larger grant, we wouldn’t have been able to

undertake the project as we are now doing, and also because we were successful in obtaining the grant in what was such a competitive process.

A significant amount of work went into the application, including a demographic study of the school, as it was necessary to demonstrate that St Paul’s is in a growth area of Sydney. The grant was specifically ascribed to this criterion, meaning that, through the building of the ILC, St Paul’s will now have increased facilities to support our capacity to grow enrolments.

In what ways do you think that the new ILC will impact learning and teaching at St Paul’s?

I was going to use the word transformational, but we already have great learning and teaching at St Paul’s. I believe that the ILC building will facilitate and continue to enhance teachers’ abilities to teach in innovative ways and develop more creative learning styles. The building has great scope and was designed to have large breakout

I believe that the ILC building will facilitate and continue to enhance teachers’ abilities to teach in innovative ways and develop more creative learning styles.

spaces and flexible furniture. This means that groups of students can work together, and teachers can employ different styles of teaching and learning both within the classroom and outdoors.

If you were to close your eyes, imagine the ILC a year from now – what do you see/feel when you walk in?

It’s quite emotional, when I think about it, as this will be a significant accomplishment for the school. We are building an amazing facility that is going to be a game changer in many ways. The building will allow students to move out of the old demountable buildings at the back of the school, into something that’s new and permanent. However, it won’t only benefit the STEM faculties. With features including a new library, lecture theatre, outdoor learning spaces and other student services, it will be a hub of activity and learning that serves to benefit all students and staff.

A new building is always challenging because it’s compared to the rest! What’s next in terms of building improvements for St Paul’s?

We have put a substantial amount of work into an overall master plan for the school, which includes a redevelopment of the science block (the second stage of the ILC project, which we already have funding for), and the construction of a theatre near the VAPA building. The ovals are also in need of major work, due to the significant drainage issues that have surfaced over the past few years. Additionally, whilst the Junior School has lovely classrooms, they are 25 years old and thus require updating. This would include new furniture, carpet, and restructuring to allow for more open spaces.

Ian Wake Principal

Mrs Tania Murray

Head of Library and Information Services

At the beginning of 2023, Mrs Tania Murray, Secondary School English Teacher, will take up the position of Head of Library and Information Services in the new ILC building. Below she shares her vision for the space and what it will mean to the school community.

“I am excited by the possibilities that the new ILC’s Senior Library at St Paul’s will hold for staff and students alike. The new library will be more than just a collection of books, rather a key part of the school’s vision for teaching and learning. The space will not only be modern and innovative but will play an integral role in the implementation of library programs to support students in becoming better inquirers, consumers and creators of information. I envision it will be a place which brings people together, students and staff, along with the wider St Paul’s community. It will be a safe, welcoming space that encourages reading for pleasure, but also a place for learners to find information and resources, whether that be through direct help with the library staff or independent study. The new ILC library will be the place to be, so please come and visit.“

The (ILC) space will not only be modern and innovative but will play an integral role in the implementation of library programs to support students in becoming better inquirers, consumers and creators of information.