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EducationKNOX GRAMMAR SCHOOL -PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE AND JUNIOR SECONDARY ACADEMYKnox Grammar School Headmaster John Weeks has announced that Knox Grammar School will commence construction of a new Performing Arts Centre and Junior Secondary Academy in February 2017.The ambitious building project will take approximately two years to build and will include superb performing arts facilities including a 750-seat auditorium, 160-seat drama space, and musical rehearsal spaces.“Over the last decade Knox has embarked on an ambitious program to equip our students with world-class facilities including the Knox Senior Secondary Academy, Great Hall and Aquatic Centre, K-2 Centre, Ewan House, and the Knox Boarding Centre,” said Knox Headmaster John Weeks. “Participation in the performing arts is at record levels at Knox,” said Mr Weeks. “However, many of our music and theatre facilities are now at capacity and unsuitable for the needs of our contemporary performing arts students.We want every student atKnox to have opportunities to participate in the performing arts, with research indicating that engagement in performing arts enhances creativity, emotional intelligence and wellbeing.”In addition to being a Performing Arts Centre, the new building will be a home for Knox Year 7 and 8 boys and thestaff who support and care for these students. This is part of Knox’s plan to build three stage- based academies (Junior – Years 7 and 8, Middle – Years 9 and 10, Senior – Years 11 and 12) catering to the specific learning needs of each age-group.PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE• 750-seat multipurpose auditorium, for musical and drama performances, witha large stage, an adjustable orchestra pit, cutting-edge lighting and sound equipment, as well as tiered seating• Smaller performance space with 160 seats for intimate drama performances and recitals• Dance studio for traditional and contemporary dance• Large music training room for rehearsals• Soundproof rehearsal rooms for one-on-one tuition• Home of the Knox Academy of the Performing Arts• Home of the Years 7-12 Music and Drama Departments• Specialist music and drama classrooms• Choir training room, percussion space, keyboard lab• Café with an outdoor terrace“Participation in the performing arts is at record levels at Knox...”• Underground carpark with approximately 150 spacesJUNIOR ACADEMY• Breakout spaces for study and socialising• Years 7 and 8 administration hub • Dedicated Years 7-8 canteen• Dedicated bathroom facilities • Use of performing arts spacesfor year meetings, seminarsand presentationsWork on this project is expected to commencein February 2017 with the demolition of the Woodville Ave Administration Building and carpark.“The Knox School Council and I are thrilled to be embarking on this ambitious project which will benefit our students for many years to come,” said the Headmaster.