Franklin School
As the first purpose-built facility of its kind in the ACT, FECS offers high-quality learning, integrated services, and family support in a community-based environment, focusing on children and their families during the crucial early learning years
Franklin Early Childhood School is a vibrant and interconnected series of buildings creating a sense of anticipation. The learning environment comprises three linked structures: the Learning Wing (childcare and preschool), the Hub Learning (Kindergarten to Grade 2), and the Hub Admin (community facilities and administration), all set within a landscaped setting.
The school is designed to accommodate two related but distinct providers: the childcare facility, which operates from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, and the public education facility, which caters to the first four years of schooling in the ACT, including preschool, Kindergarten, Year One, and Year Two.
“The layout of the classrooms and the interconnection between the collaborative learning spaces and our partner classrooms is excellent. The light and airy rooms, floor to ceiling windows, ventilation and heating enable a year round learning environment.”
Julie Cooper, Principal - Franklin Early Childhood School
The design of the learning environment is grounded in the core concepts of ‘connectivity’ and ‘rite of passage’. Connectivity between learning spaces—both visually and physically—as well as the integration of internal and external areas, are essential aspects of the early learning model.
This design was achieved by creating interconnected playrooms for similar age groups. Additionally, all playrooms feature strong visual connections to the outdoors and seamless physical access to outdoor spaces. The learning wing's layout consists of a series of small-scale wings linked together by an internal circulation spine, embodying the concept of a ‘cottage and garden’ setting.