10 May 2016
Samuel Marsden Collegiate School, leading 21st Century Learning
Prime Minister John Key opens new building at Marsden School
Excitement is high at Samuel Marsden Collegiate School in Karori, Wellington, as students and staff take ownership of
their new building, Te Manawa o te Kura - the Heart of the School. Prime Minister John Key is performing the official
opening of the two spacious Learning Studios, the school foyer and modern iCentre on Wednesday 11 May.
Marsden School, with its reputation for providing high quality education, has embraced 21st Century learning. With
teachers as facilitators and guides girls are learning how to collaborate and share responsibility for leaning outcomes,
much such after qualities by employers.
“Complementing existing facilities the Learning Studios and iCentre are a wonderful resource in preparing our young
women for work and life in the 21st Century”, says Marsden School Principal Jenny Williams. “We are excited to gift this
building to current students, staff, and generations of girls to come, and thank the many, many people who have made
this happen”.
The beautiful light building designed by Athfield Architects, is finished inside with natural wood, pops of colour, work
spaces and study nooks, and an extensive green vista, providing a peaceful space for collaborative work and independent
research and preparation. Connecting the school from end to end the new building takes Marsden School from the past into
the future, while retaining links to the schools’ long history with the beautifully restored Honours Board and retention
of the original 1926 entrance.
Modelled on best practice work places the building is already loved by its young users and the wider Marsden family. It
will be integral in preparing Marsden girls in their life journey, hand in hand with staff commitment to providing
excellence in education, development of character, and a loving environment where students feel safe and supported.
Marsden School’s new building is open for viewing by the public and anyone interested in the future of education on 12,
13, 16 and 17 May between 11am and 2pm. The students look forward to showing people around their new Learning Studios,
foyer and iCentre, the long awaited heart of the school, Te Manawa o te Kura.
Samuel Marsden Collegiate School has been providing quality independent education for more than 135 years. Today it has
two campuses. The Marsden School Karori campus provides education for girls from Years 1 – 13 and has a co-ed Preschool.
Marsden School’s purpose is to lay the foundation for lives of meaning, accomplishment and genuine happiness.
www.marsden.school.nz
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