Yarrabah School in Aspendale is a special education school for students aged 3 to 18 years with intellectual disabilities, providing them with individualised, safe learning environments that promote active learning, encourages adventure, independence, and self-esteem.
For the school to continue providing its students with appropriate support to meet their needs, the campus was redeveloped. Old buildings that were no longer fit for purpose were demolished and relocatable buildings were replaced with permanent facilities for staff and students, including:
- An Early Education Program Building with courtyard and play area.
- A ‘Primary Neighbourhood’ for lower-junior, upper-junior, and middle school students comprised of a Junior School Building with a sensory garden and play area, and a Middle School Building.
- A ‘Secondary Neighbourhood’ for senior students comprised of an Intermediate & Transition Building, a Senior Life House Building, and a sensory garden.
- Specialist Learning Buildings including music and performing arts facilities, an indoor basketball court, and a hydrotherapy pool.
- A Staff and Professional Learning Centre.
- Refurbishment of the existing Administration Building and an existing Specialist Learning Building.
- A staff carpark.
- Landscaped areas.
The redevelopment was carried out in 3 separable portions to ensure access to the existing school facilities was maintained, minimising the disruption caused to the day-to-day operations of the school. Working within a live school environment, specifically amongst students with special needs, the separable portions also allowed the site to be more tightly monitored and increased measures were implemented so the students and staff were kept safe during construction.
