The learning environment at Clayfield College today would be almost unrecognisable to the College’s founders in 1931. Yet one ambition remains unchanged: to create the very best place for students to learn and develop confidence. Following the opening of THE EDGE in 2025, that commitment is shaping the next chapter of the College campus, with plans to revitalise the Upper Junior School precinct in time for the start of the 2027 academic year.
The project will bring together six refurbished Year 5 and 6 classrooms to create a connected learning hub, alongside a Junior School Science Lab. While these enhancements are significant, the vision extends far beyond furniture or floorplans. At its heart is a commitment to creating learning spaces that reflect how students learn today and prepare them for the future.
Director of Junior School, Mr Damien Marshall said the project is about ensuring the environment actively supports the College's approach to teaching, learning and wellbeing.
"The goal is not simply to redesign classrooms. It is to create environments that better reflect how young people learn and engage with the world around them,” Mr Marshall said. “We want spaces that support collaboration, creativity, wellbeing and independence.
"The project also reflects Clayfield College's belief that Years 5 and 6 are a pivotal stage in a young person's development. More than simply the final years of Junior School, they provide an important bridge to Senior School, where students develop the confidence, organisational skills and learning habits that will serve them well into the future. Within our connected Pre-Prep to Year 12 environment, students are supported to take gradual steps towards greater responsibility, while continuing to be known, valued and understood."
A Classroom for Every Learner
No two students learn the same way. The challenge for modern schools is creating environments that allow students to move between different modes of learning throughout the day.
The proposed Year 5 and 6 Hub has been designed with this in mind. Consistent with Clayfield College's Strategic Pillar: Learning by Design, the environments have been intentionally developed to support the many ways students learn and recognise that every child brings different strengths, interests and learning preferences.
Principal Dr Andrew Cousins said effective learning spaces should inspire students to explore, question and engage deeply with their learning.
“Learning by Design is about creating dynamic student-centred learning experiences that spark students’ natural curiosity and sense of possibility,” Dr Cousins said. “Our thinking for the Year 5 and 6 Hub has been shaped by the idea that the environment can become another teacher: by creating spaces that invite questions, encourage exploration, make student thinking visible, and provide opportunities for inquiry, creativity and deeper engagement.
“The flexible spaces will give students greater choice in how they learn, whether collaborating with classmates, working independently, sharing ideas or meeting with a teacher.”
Learning Through Connection
One of the key elements of the proposed classroom design is a central collaboration space.
Positioned at the heart of each classroom, this area will provide students with opportunities to gather, share ideas, discuss learning and work together in meaningful ways.
Featuring collaborative seating, flexible tables and a dedicated yarning circle space, the area is designed to connect learners, foster student voice and encourage meaningful discussion and reflection.
Importantly, these spaces are not just designed to enhance learning outcomes. They are designed to strengthen relationships, build community and help students experience the joy of learning together.
Wellbeing Through Belonging
The proposed design also recognises the vital connection between wellbeing and learning.
A dedicated reading and wellbeing nook will provide students with a calm, welcoming space where they can read, reflect, work independently or simply recharge when needed.
Research consistently highlights the importance of creating learning spaces where students feel safe, comfortable and connected. At Clayfield College, this aligns closely with our Strategic Pillar: Wellbeing Through Belonging and the aspiration that every student feels known, valued and understood.
“When students experience a genuine sense of belonging, they are more likely to take risks in their learning, embrace challenges, engage more deeply and develop confidence in themselves and their abilities,” Dr Cousins said.
Junior School Science Lab
The campus reimagination extends beyond the Year 5 and 6 classrooms, with plans for a dedicated Junior School Science Lab designed to make investigation and discovery part of everyday learning.
The vision is to move beyond the feel of a traditional science classroom towards a dynamic space that brings together elements of an investigation laboratory, discovery centre, living laboratory and a scientific collection. Designed for students in Years 3 to 6, the practical, curriculum-aligned environment will support hands-on learning across Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth and Space Sciences.
Towards 2027
The transformation of the Upper Junior School precinct represents an exciting investment in the future of Junior School education at Clayfield College. Designed to support students during an important stage of their development, the Year 5 and 6 Hub will create opportunities for learners to build confidence, develop independence and take greater ownership of their learning.
Dr Cousins acknowledged the leadership of Director of Junior School, Mr Damien Marshall, in bringing the project to life, ready for 2027.
“Damien has been instrumental in shaping this project. His commitment to contemporary and evidence-informed learning has helped ensure the Year 5 and 6 Hub reflects both the needs of today's learners and our aspirations for the future.
“Importantly, this project represents the first stage of a broader vision for the Upper Junior School. Creating exceptional learning environments provides the foundation for innovative programs and learning experiences that support students as they prepare for the transition into Senior School,” Dr Cousins said.
“Later in Term 4, our Junior School Leadership Team will share more about the educational programs that will accompany the launch of the Hub in 2027 with our community, and how they will enrich the Year 5 and 6 experience while inspiring students to let their light shine.”
Images: Rendered designs by BFX Furniture providing an overall aesthetic for the vision of the Year 5 and 6 spaces.
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