Middle School Building | Progress Update

The Alice Springs Steiner School has long been a cherished cornerstone of our community, situated on the lands of the Arrernte People. For over 25 years, we have provided a holistic and independent co-educational learning environment for students ranging from Preschool to Class 8. In response to the evolving needs of our growing community, a Strategic Masterplan was developed in 2018, outlining an exciting future for our school. One of the pivotal elements of this masterplan is the development of our new middle school building.

This new building will accommodate the expansion of our offerings, extending our educational services up to Class 9, with a focus on providing a dedicated middle school space that embodies the values and principles of Steiner education. Designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape while enhancing pedagogical flexibility, the building is envisioned as a dynamic and inspirational learning environment for both students and teachers.

Current Progress

We are thrilled to report that the construction team has reached an important milestone in the building process. The steel frames for the classrooms and verandas are currently being erected, providing the foundational structure for the three classrooms, and adjoining common areas. This significant progress offers a glimpse into the layout and scale of what will soon be a vibrant and vital space for our middle school students. The roof sheets are also being installed, providing essential shelter, and marking the early stages of what will become a robust and comfortable learning environment for Central Australian students.

The New Building: A Hub of Learning and Connection

The middle school building has been designed as a flexible and permeable learning environment, capable of supporting a diverse range of educational activities and gathering spaces. The core structure consists of three classrooms, each with direct access to generous external covered areas. These classrooms are arranged alongside a covered outdoor learning space, envisioned as a multipurpose workshop area that will offer students opportunities for hands-on learning, creative projects, and other practical activities that align with the Steiner approach.

A distinctive feature of this building is the thoughtful integration of covered common spaces, verandas, and an ablution block. These areas will serve as informal gathering spots, promoting social interaction and a sense of community among students, staff, and visitors. The building's orientation and layout aim to maximise the natural beauty of our surroundings, with views overlooking the Tjoritja | East MacDonnell Ranges, and an architectural treatment that harmonises with the natural landscape. The use of corrugated iron and climate-suitable cladding ensures that the building is well-adapted to the Central Australian climate while maintaining visual consistency with our existing infrastructure.

A Space for Holistic Growth

Internally, the new middle school building will evoke a sense of calm and order, achieved through a careful selection of materials and finishes. High ceilings, natural light, and framed views will create an atmosphere that fosters focus and contemplation. A variety of learning spaces have been incorporated into the design, offering not only formal classroom areas but also smaller nooks and flexible learning environments. These spaces are designed to support individual reflection as well as group collaboration, ensuring that the building caters to a wide range of learning styles and activities.

Moreover, by adding specialist facilities and staff for subjects such as Science, Languages, Physical Education, Mathematics, and Indigenous Studies, our middle school will offer a more comprehensive curriculum. This project will significantly expand our ability to serve the educational needs of Central Australian students, providing a Steiner education experience that prepares young people for both academic success and responsible citizenship.

Looking Ahead

With the steel frames rising and the roof soon to follow, the middle school building project is progressing steadily. Each phase of this construction brings us closer to the realisation of a long-held vision: a vibrant, functional, and inspiring middle school environment that will support the growth and development of our students for years to come.

We remain committed to completing this project in two stages, ensuring that the building will be ready for the next cohort of middle school students as we extend our curriculum through to Class 9. This development marks a new chapter for The Alice Springs Steiner School, one that promises to enrich our educational offerings and solidify our role as a key provider of holistic, independent education in Central Australia.

We look forward to sharing further updates as construction progresses and thank our community for the ongoing support in making this vision a reality.