The Secondary Learning Hub

The Secondary Learning Hub is a student-centred learning space specifically designed for our Year 11 and 12 students as an opportunity for them to collaborate and actively engage in their learning.

The room consists of moveable, modern furniture, whiteboards and writable desks. Every piece is able to be adapted to change the room configuration enabling the students to choose the way in which they want to study: alone or in groups. It enables students to take control of their learning, share information, acquire and apply knowledge,  and creatively problem solve, preparing them with skills to necessary to thrive in a changing world.

Teachers are accessible in the study centre at all times, available to facilitate discussion, challenge assumptions and enabling students to learn how to learn.

The Learning Hub was developed in response to a global shift toward more student-centred learning spaces, after ongoing academic research concluded that well designed, flexible spaces not only increase academic achievement (Clever Classroom, University of Salford Manchester) but also fosters skills in students, necessary for succeeding in the workplace.

The Lighthouse Theatre

On 19th August 2011, Penrith Anglican College officially opened the Lighthouse Theatre. The theatre is a 570-seat performing arts centre.

The theatre features professional industry standard facilities including an orchestra pit to comfortably sit 25 players, audio and lighting equipment as well as projection facilities for presentations. The stage is a built basket-weave spring floor and includes a proscenium arch and thrust stage; ideal for theatrical drama and musical performances.

Since its opening, it has hosted a number of College and professional productions including Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins and The Pirates of Penzance. The Blue Mountains Musical Society’s production of Cats, James Morrison in concert, and the album launch concert of the Idea of North’s Extraordinary Tale have also utilised our first-class facilities.

Overlooking the spectacular Blue Mountains is our new expansive hospitality area. The area, which includes a modern catering kitchen, offers outstanding space for functions and events including being utilised by our Hospitality students.

For more information on the Lighthouse Theatre, its facilities and availability for hire, please contact our Theatre Manager at [email protected].

Performing Arts Centre

The College’s Performing Arts Centre is an exciting state-of-the-art performance centre designed to deliver outstanding facilities for current and future musicians, dancers and performing arts students.

Sitting high on the hill overlooking the Blue Mountains and Penrith valley, the Centre incorporates the 570 seat Lighthouse Theatre, as well as a variety of spaces for performance, rehearsal and training.

A 190-seat tiered lecture theatre and recital room is housed at one end of the Centre, with extensive classroom and rehearsal space between the two performance spaces.

The Centre features three purpose-built music classrooms, a fully equipped drama studio and fully sprung dance studio. There are 10 peripatetic rehearsal studios available for student use, with one equipped as a recording studio.

The facility also features a hospitality area with stunning views to the Blue Mountains.

Technologies

Technologies include many significant learning areas: Design and Technology, Computing, Engineering Studies, Textiles, Food Technology and VET Hospitality.

In Design and Technology, students utilise a Materials Technology room, which is home to industry-standard materials, resources and equipment. Students use Adobe software to create and manipulate designs to be then realised on our laser cutters. Computer-aided design drawing programs are used to acquire industry-based skills and allow students to experiment with prototyping through use of 3D printers.

The College boasts a fully equipped Food Technology room located in the Technologies building. The hospitality space in the Performing Arts Centre boasts a state-of-the-art equipped professional catering kitchen and serving area including café facilities and coffee machine.

Library

The Penrith Anglican College Libraries offer dynamic spaces for staff and students to read, research and collaborate. They are the centre of learning spaces in the Primary and Secondary schools, and can host classes or individual students throughout the day.

Our Libraries are interactive, from the physical and digital resources available through to the flexible design of seating, study spaces and shelving. The Library catalogue and other reference materials can be accessed via the web.

The Year 5-12 Library provides an innovative and progressive learning environment where students can engage with each other, with the assistance of the Library and Teaching staff.

Our libraries have been designed to engage students in their own learning and to create a love of reading and ability to access information. Building research skills is a key focus of the Library, helping them to distinguish fact and disinformation, preparing students for tertiary study and to thrive in an increasingly information rich world.