Construction is well underway on Westminster’s new Preparatory Centre for Learning, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for young children.
The first years of School shape far more than reading and numeracy. They shape how a child sees themselves and how confidently they step into the world.
At the start of 2027, this purpose-built Centre will open its doors for students from Reception to Year 3, nurturing curiosity, courage and a lifelong love of discovery through Westminster’s distinctive approach to Adventurous Education.
For families considering their child’s first steps into education, the early years matter deeply. They influence how children respond to challenges, how they collaborate with others and how they begin to understand their own strengths.
These formative experiences lay the groundwork not only for future academic success but for building character resilience and confidence.
Westminster’s investment in the Preparatory School reflects a clear belief that these years deserve exceptional care, clarity and ambition. As Westminster’s fifth major capital project in six years, it reflects a sustained commitment to contemporary learning environments across the Marion campus.
Strong interest in the Preparatory School alongside record enrolments and growing waitlists in the Senior School reflects deep confidence in a Westminster education at every stage of the journey.
“This redevelopment forms part of a deliberate long-term investment in environments that elevate learning,” Acting Principal Andrew Whiteman said.
“We are ensuring our facilities reflect the ambition of our educational vision and the potential of every child.”
Designed by Brown Falconer and delivered by Partek Constructions and Interiors, the Preparatory Centre for Learning has been carefully crafted to support the way young children learn best.
Light-filled classrooms, flexible learning zones and dedicated art and STEM spaces support exploration, creativity and collaboration, while outdoor environments encourage adventurous play and wellbeing from the earliest years.
Yet it is not only the design of the spaces that defines this next chapter. It is the quality of the learning that takes place within them.
At Westminster, strong academic foundations sit firmly at the heart of the early years experience. Literacy, numeracy and critical thinking are taught with clarity and rigour, ensuring each child develops the skills required for long-term success.
This academic strength is intentionally interwoven with Adventurous Education, creating an environment of purposeful and deeply engaging learning.
From Reception to Year 6, Preparatory students are encouraged to question, explore, design, test and reflect. Inquiry-based learning, technology and problem-solving are embedded into daily practice.
Whether investigating environmental challenges, building prototypes or collaborating on creative performances, students learn to think deeply and act with confidence.
“The early years shape how children see themselves as learners,” Head of Preparatory School Simon McKenzie said.
“When children feel confident, capable and connected, they approach every new challenge with curiosity and courage.”
Alongside academic development, leadership and intentional character formation is a defining feature of the Preparatory journey.
Through collaboration, service and shared achievement, students begin to understand the impact they can have within their community.
Voice and agency are not abstract ideals but lived experiences within classrooms and beyond.
“At Westminster we believe it is never too early to begin developing resilience, leadership and responsibility. These qualities guide young people throughout their lives,” Mr McKenzie said.
One of the School’s greatest strengths is the breadth of opportunity available across the campus.
Through its one campus model, students from ELC and the Preparatory School are intentionally connected to the wide range of opportunities at Westminster.
This environment allows young children to access specialist facilities, expert staff and diverse experiences across the School, fostering confidence and belonging as they grow.
Sport plays a vital role in the Westminster experience. Through co-curricular offerings, children engage in sport while developing teamwork, discipline and resilience.
The performing arts are equally central to the Preparatory experience. Every child is encouraged to discover their creative voice. In Year 3, all students participate in the School’s musical strings program as part of a rich balanced education.
Within the Michael Murray Centre for Performing Arts, students explore music, drama and performance in an inspiring facility guided by experienced staff.
Beyond sport and the performing arts, Preparatory students are also actively engaged in agriculture at Sturt Grove Farm, as well as other educational settings across the Senior School.
For families, choosing a School is one of the most significant decisions they will make.
Westminster’s Preparatory Centre for Learning offers an education that blends academic rigour, character development, breadth of opportunity and immersive experience.
When the Centre opens in 2027, it will stand as a powerful symbol of the School’s commitment to future generations.
It will be a place where knowledge is pursued with purpose and young children begin a confident journey across one campus, prepared for the next stage of School and life beyond it.
Westminster School
1/23 Alison Avenue, Marion
westminster.sa.edu.au
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