Donnybrook and Kurrun Primary Schools

Our design solutions for Donnybrook and Kurrun Primary Schools are part of a broader package of work for the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA), which is delivering a range of new schools within key growth areas of north and south-east Melbourne.

Completed in 2023, the new schools at Donnybrook and Officer both feature:

• an administration building with a library and offices, plus specialist teaching spaces for science and food technology
• two buildings for learning ‘neighbourhoods’ (or home bases), with general classrooms and flexible, collaborative teaching spaces
• a community hub with a competition-grade gymnasium, canteen, music and drama space

The neighbourhoods are the heart of each learning community – shared spaces for teachers and students collaborating in groups of varying size and composition.

The joinery, furniture and services in the buildings open up opportunities for different learning experiences – from presenting to studio time. A series of hinged and sliding doors mean the spaces can be reconfigured even further, separated or connected to accommodate large or smaller groups.

The location of staff workspace makes it easy for staff to retreat for focused planning time while remaining close to where they teach.

Shared by two learning communities, student amenities are in a central position that minimises any disruption to learning. During lunch and recess periods the amenities zone can be secured, allowing access to bathrooms while securing the learning spaces.

With space for 525 students from Prep to Grade 6 – both schools have room for increasing enrolments, giving more families access to an education close to home. For example, Kurrun opened with 125 students in a south-eastern suburb slated for significant growth.

The new primary schools also have a kindergarten nearby, allowing children to make a smooth transition from pre-school to primary years.