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A former sheep paddock on the outskirts of the coastal town of Victor Harbor, South Australia, is being transformed into a groundbreaking learning environment thanks to the vision and foresight of Encounter Lutheran College.
With the support of an LLL Loan, Encounter will open a Middle School Learning Centre like few others on a 69-acre paddock, known as Block 69, in time for the 2024 school year.
"It's exciting to think about how this building will help transform how we engage students in their learning environment," Encounter Principal Kelvin Grivell said.
"This space, given its design and subject focus, will open up amazing opportunities.
"The four main learning areas are a kitchen, a science lab, an art studio and a digital technology studio.
"There are overflow areas as well, including the outdoor areas, that will enable what we call transdisciplinary learning to happen as well.
"It has been a philosophical shift at Encounter where we're trying to see learning far more broadly than just conventional classroom spaces."
The design of the building allows seamless movement between indoor learning spaces and the sprawling green fields just outside.
Encounter has grown considerably over the past 12 years, with millions of dollars invested in infrastructure, but Block 69 will retain its rural charm.
"We've started a significant revegetation program, we've planted around 2,000 trees this year, and we have student camps there, so we'd like to set up a few simple shelters, but that's it," Kelvin said.
"We want to create an outdoor leisure environment, with bike paths, walking trails and spaces to help grow resilience and independence and to just allow young people to enjoy the outdoors."
Kelvin said that the flexibility of a tailored LLL Loan had been a key factor in making Encounter's Block 69 dream a reality.
"We've found LLL amazing in terms of understanding our vision and recognising that we're working to a long-term goal," he said.
"We've felt every confidence that LLL is backing us … they're in our corner.
"It gives us real peace of mind knowing that we can just get on with the job."
Photos: Encounter's new Middle School Learning Centre will provide amazing educational opportunities.
