A new junior high school campus would be created in Seddon and Gilmore College for Girls would become co-ed under a radical shake-up of education in Footscray that has attracted a mixed response.
Plans for a $15 million Footscray learning precinct, released last week, show three hubs that bring together early childhood education, Footscray City Primary School, Footscray City College, Gilmore College and Victoria University.
The Victorian School Building Authority plans follow years of agitation from parents of Seddon, Kingsville and Yarraville areas for a new high school to cater for spiralling demand.
The plans include a new children’s centre integrated with a redeveloped Footscray City Primary School, extra junior secondary school places, and the conversion of the Footscray City College to a senior campus for years 10-12.
A new science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning centre would be created by the Victorian government and Victoria University, and new sports and performing arts facilities would be shared by schools and the community.
Gilmore College for Girls would become a co-educational junior secondary school for years 7-9, and a second junior secondary school would be developed at the southern hub on Hyde Street.
While some parents have welcomed the move to expand secondary school places in the inner-west, others have criticised the lack of a campus in the Yarraville area.
There are also reservations about the loss of the western suburbs’ only state girls secondary if Gilmore College for Girls turns co-ed.
Melissa Horne, president of the SKYHigh lobby group, said the additional capacity and the partnerships outlined in the proposal are exciting for education in the inner-west.
“This concept of the learning precinct delivers all … and more.”
Education minister James Merlino said the new precinct will give the inner-west first-class education from childhood to university.
Information sessions are on Thursday and Friday at Footscray market, next Wednesday at Yarraville pop-up park and November 19 at Yarraville farmers market. Further details: www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/Footscray
