Melbourne Grammar School recently launched a philanthropic campaign for a new state-of-the-art facility to help future generations of Old Melburnians seize the exciting opportunities afforded by advances in Science and Technology.
The new facility will be named in honour of Geoff Handbury, a successful businessman and passionate philanthropist who is supporting the project with a $5 million transformational gift.
“This is extraordinarily generous and the School wanted to recognise the positive impact that Geoff Handbury’s gift will have on providing a world-class education,” says the Chairman of the School Council, Michael Bartlett.
Now retired, Geoff first found success in the clothing and export industries before moving into farming and radio network ownership. His diverse career has given him a keen appreciation of the need to keep pace with innovative ideas and advancements in technology.
Supporting future generations has always been high on Geoff’s agenda. His motivation to support this project stems from his shared belief in the School’s mission to equip students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to cope with demands of an increasingly complicated and rapidly changing world. “They’re our future citizens. We’ve got to get them up and running so they can start leading this country,” says Geoff.
When they leave the School, our students will be entering a global economy that is driven by scientific discoveries and technological innovations. To succeed in this environment they will need to have the skills necessary to identify and harness the opportunities that await them.
“We recognise that the world is rapidly changing and we need to adopt new ideas, practices and innovative solutions to complex problems. A place for Science, Technology and Innovation, The Geoff Handbury Science and Technology Hub will prepare our students to be lifelong learners and inspire them to make lasting contributions to society,” Roy Kelley says.
Designed by renowned architects, Denton Corker Marshall, the world-class facility will feature open learning spaces rather than rigid classrooms. Laboratories will be flexible and able to accommodate a variety of disciplines. There will also be informal learning areas and quiet study zones. Students will be supported to explore and develop their own ideas and projects. This inspiring space will motivate our teachers to excel and will develop our students into scientific thinkers, problem solvers and innovators.
It is only through the collective giving efforts of our School community – parents, friends and Old Melburnians – that we will achieve of vision for a New World of Teaching and Learning.
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