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Intermediate’s new block embraces technology
Fri, 22nd Aug 2014
FYI, this story is more than a year old

Northcross Intermediate School now has a $4 million technology block that supports modern teaching styles in a modern learning environment.

The Auckland school's new two-storey technology block was opened this week. Nikki Kaye, Associate Education Minister, says the building incorporates ICT infrastructure along with environmentally sustainable initiatives such as natural ventilation and lighting.

“This impressive new space boasts modern learning spaces for students and staff, providing a fresh approach to learning and teaching,” Kaye says.“The purpose-built specialist teaching areas will allow students to embrace technology disciplines such as food and nutrition, biotechnology, design and hard materials.

Features of the new building include a sound and light proof media suite with green screen capability, a graphics studio, hard and soft technology workshops and a food and nutrition technology kitchen.

The new block addresses weathertight issues that were previously present. It is built to the Ministry of Education's modern learning environment standards as part of its Building Improvements Programme.

Currently around 320 buildings at approximately 200 schools have been remediated or rebuilt as part of the Programme, which was set up in 2009 to manage the testing and remediation of school buildings affected by water damage.

The outcome is modern learning environments that support modern teaching styles, Kaye says.

Students are now enjoying a building specifically designed to create flexible learning spaces that allow students to work individually and collaboratively, Kaye says.“It provides a warm, healthy and modern learning environment with safe, contemporary spaces to help inspire students to learn.