KGPS – Administration and Classroom Building
Fostering Community, Curiosity and Connection
Nestled in a semi-rural setting just outside Melbourne, Kangaroo Ground Primary School is a historic educational institution founded in 1853. Today, it thrives as a vital community public school, serving over 260 students and providing a warm, inclusive environment that blends heritage, nature, and progressive learning. At the heart of the school is a commitment to academic growth, wellbeing and community identity. Set within a picturesque landscape, the campus includes an oval, sports courts, gardens, and covered picnic areas – all used by both students and the wider community. The original school building, now a registered museum, showcases the history of the district and is an active learning space managed by local volunteers.
Place-Based Learning Rooted in Community
Education at Kangaroo Ground is deeply embedded in local values. The school embraces a place-based approach, offering students hands-on learning experiences that foster a strong sense of identity and connection to their environment. Parents are active contributors, supporting maintenance efforts and extracurricular initiatives, including a thriving kitchen garden. The school empowers students through innovative teaching models that promote independence, collaboration and emotional resilience. A tailored curriculum supports diverse learning needs across eleven classes, from Prep to Grade 6, with specialist programs in Italian, science, arts, and physical education. Staff collaborate in cross-level teams and participate in professional learning networks with nearby schools – a shared commitment to evidence-based teaching and continuous improvement.
A Built Response to an Evolving Vision
The new classroom and administration building, designed during COVID, embodies the values that define Kangaroo Ground Primary School — community, curiosity, and connection. The architecture responds sensitively to the school’s rural context while creating a purposeful, contemporary environment for learning and engagement. Natural light, rural materials and generous verandas enhance the sense of openness and connection to the surrounding landscape. Flexible learning spaces support a variety of teaching methods and student needs, from focused learning to collaborative projects. The administration area is designed to be welcoming and visible, reinforcing the school’s openness to families and the broader community.
The building not only enhances the everyday experience of students and staff but also supports the school’s strategic priorities — including wellbeing, and place-based education — with spaces that are inclusive and inspiring. This project reflects the school’s vision to provide engaging, future-ready education while honouring its long-standing role in the community. It invites an architectural response that respects the rural character, celebrates heritage, and supports the school’s evolving educational needs with creativity and care.
