$30M boost to school

Ridge View Secondary College has received a $30 million investment to help expand the school, create local jobs and cater for the growing community in and around Baldivis.

Bateman Architects will lead the $30 million, State Government-funded Stage 2 construction project, which will increase the school’s capacity to 1450 students.

Stage 2 will create new facilities to enhance the learning opportunities for students, including a performing arts centre, music rooms, dance studio, visual arts area and media classrooms. In addition, the build will also include general classrooms, multi-purpose playing courts, landscaped areas and extra parking.

The new facilities are expected to be completed by the start of the 2023 school year.

Baldivis MLA Reece Whitby said the expansion of the school would be a facility in the community.

“Baldivis Secondary College is very busy and is getting to the point where it would be good to get some of the pressure off them and get this new high school operating,” he said.

“I would say this school here is probably one of the best in the State by providing our local community with a first-class education experience and this second stage will only enhance the school and provide more benefit to students.”

Premier and Rockingham MLA Mark McGowan said the expansion of the school reflected the population growth in Baldivis. “This will provide a state-of-the-art high school for the people of Baldivis. I would like to thank everyone who made it happen,” he said.

“The number of students coming through means we need to provide the second stage to meet that demand.

“Baldivis is a booming area, and it’s important that local schools keep up with demand.

“Stage two will ensure Ridge View Secondary College can continue to provide an outstanding learning environment for local kids, while creating jobs during construction.”

Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said it had almost been 18 months since the official opening of the college.

“The college has quickly become a popular choice for families in the area,” she said.

“Students are already receiving a high-quality education and thriving socially, emotionally and academically in this school.”