120 | New learning spaces lift student aspirations The new classrooms feature glazed sliding partitions between rooms, allowing teachers to open or close spaces for flexibility. COMMUNITY Bream Bay College: Arco Group T T Kelly Deeks “It’s more than just bricks and mortar – it’s about shaping an environment that mirrors our aspirations and reinforces our values every day.” Bream Bay College’s latest classroom development has not only expanded its learning facilities, but has also brought the school’s core values to life through thoughtful design. Principal Julian Cosgrove says the recently converted maths block, completed by Arco Group, reflects the school’s commitment to embedding its refreshed values into the culture, creating spaces that support collaboration, inclusiveness, and pride. “This project represents who we are as a school,” Julian says. “It’s more than just bricks and mortar – it’s about shaping an environment that mirrors our aspirations and reinforces our values every day.” The new maths classrooms were completed in January, converting the old science labs into modern learning spaces in time for the start of the school year. The project followed on from earlier work on the Year 7 and 8 classroom block and new science building, forming part of the school’s long-term property plan. Julian says the timing was tight, but Arco delivered efficiently. “They were only a week behind their intended schedule, which was excellent considering delays on materials and the challenges of the Christmas period. “The students were able to start the year in their new classrooms from day one – that was a huge success for us.” The new classrooms feature glazed sliding partitions between rooms, allowing teachers to open or close spaces for flexibility. The design follows the same model used successfully in the Year 7 and 8 block, where open-plan layouts support both structured literacy programmes and collaborative group learning. “When you close the sliding doors, the soundproofing is excellent – it feels like a solid wall,” Julian says. “But when you open them, the teachers can bring groups together for hui or joint activities. It gives us the best of both worlds.” While the maths classrooms retain elements of the former lab structure, Julian says the result is highly practical, calm, and visually connected to the school’s identity. The deep green and grey colour palette, maple-finished desks, and acoustic panels contribute to a settled atmosphere that supports focus and wellbeing. Adding a symbolic touch, the glazed partition panels are etched with designs based on the school’s values – represented as hoe, the paddles of a waka, reflecting the seafaring heritage of both Māori and Scottish ancestors in the Bream Bay community. “The designs include the poutama pattern, representing the journey of learning and achievement,” Julian says. “It’s a visual reminder that education is about ascending, growing, and collecting baskets of knowledge along the way.” Bream Bay College recently refreshed its values after engaging with staff, students, and its wider community, with support by its mana whenua, Patuharakeke. Julian says integrating those values into the daily school experience takes more than a few words spoken by the principal at assembly. “We only finalised our values last year, so now it’s about weaving them into everything we do – our rewards, our assemblies, and our learning spaces. Our environment plays a huge part in that,” he says. The college roll is rapidly growing, reflecting wider population growth in the area. Two years ago the school had just over 500 students, and by next year it expects about 650, with projections of up to 750 in the coming years. “For the staff and students, walking into these modern, clean, and purpose-built spaces lifts everyone’s aspirations,” Julian says. “We have seen an immediate impact on learning, collaboration, and pride. A school might just be four walls, but when those walls reflect your values, they help build your culture, and that’s what we have seen.” www.airzone.co.nz HVAC S P EC I AL I ST S Proudly supporting Bream Bay College and ARCO. arcogroup.co.nz Northland – Auckland – Waikato Shaping the future of Education • PAPERHANGING • WATERBLASTING • SPRAY TEXTURE • ANTI GRAFFITI • SPECIALIST FINISHES • WATERPROOFING • FIREPROOF COATINGS • ZOLATONE APPLICATION • TRADESMAN QUALITY • REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE PAINT APPLICATION SPECIALISTS WITH COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL & DOMESTIC PROJECTS DECORATING LTD 09 438 5337 admin@mcnabbdecorating.co.nz 2024/25 GOLD
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