Mr Scott Murphy | Deputy Headmaster – Student Wellbeing (P-12)
At Brisbane Boys’ College, student wellbeing is a defining component of our endeavours to help every boy succeed to his full potential. We know that students who are happy, healthy, safe, and engaged will flourish academically and socially. The upcoming campus development in our Master Plan Campus Vision promises to elevate our wellbeing efforts to unprecedented levels. By complementing our new facilities with our Tartan+ Wellbeing Model, we aim to create an environment where students can truly thrive. This approach will not only benefit our students but also position BBC as a leader in academic wellbeing both in Australia and globally.
BBC has a rich history as a forward-thinking school, and our new state-of-the-art wellbeing centre, enhanced learning spaces, and innovative facilities will support world-class teaching and learning, ensuring that every student can excel in a supportive environment. Our forward-focused vision aims to build a culture that prioritises healthy masculinity, faith, wellbeing, excellence, and an exceptional education. By putting our students at the forefront of innovative change, we as a school community can lead by example with clear purpose and intention, redefining what it means to inspire boys to create their own bright futures and become life-long learners.
A Campus Built for Wellbeing
The Master Plan Campus Vision includes several new and improved facilities directly relevant to BBC’s wellbeing portfolio. Among these, the construction of a state-of-the-art Wellbeing Centre stands out. This Centre will serve as a hub for our Tartan+ program, offering dedicated spaces for counselling and community support.
The Wellbeing Centre will be equipped with sensory rooms designed to help boys manage stress and anxiety. These rooms will feature adjustable lighting, calming colours, and comfortable furnishings, providing a safe haven for students needing a moment of respite. Furthermore, the Centre will house spaces for group sessions, workshops, and seminars on various aspects of mental health and wellbeing for the community.
Importantly, the Master Plan Campus Vision includes enhanced outdoor spaces. We aim to create more inclusive green areas, such as gardens and quiet zones, where students can reconnect with nature. These spaces will offer a peaceful retreat from academic pressures. According to Harvard University’s Project Zero, “The physical environment significantly influences learning, behaviour, and overall wellbeing.”
Additionally, spaces for year levels and Houses to meet have been deeply considered. These areas provide opportunities for students to grow their tribe, experience success, present and collaborate, and build their capacity in essential soft skills. These skills will define them as they journey through a rapidly changing world.
Best practice pedagogy and purpose-built spaces will ensure boys have everything they need to thrive while fostering a sense of community. We are creating a holistic environment that nurtures the wellbeing of our students, setting a new benchmark for schools around the world.
The Science of a Learning Space
Research in environmental psychology underscores how physical spaces profoundly impact mental and emotional wellbeing. Well-designed environments not only reduce stress and enhance cognitive function but also boost overall wellness. Clinical psychologist Andrew Fuller emphasises that “a sense of belonging is fundamental to our wellbeing,” and it is the biggest precursor to preventing suicide, violence, and drug addiction.
At BBC, we apply these principles to create functional and visually appealing environments that promote both learning and emotional health among all students. By integrating evidence-based practices into the design of our school facilities, the Master Plan Campus Vision supports students’ academic, emotional, and social development. A key part of this process will be incorporating discoveries from the use of the Prototype Classrooms into future campus development, allowing us to hone and refine wellbeing support based on real-world data.
Working with First Nations consultants has enriched our vision of the future, ensuring our facilities honour cultural heritage. This inclusive approach recognises cultural perspectives in shaping spaces that foster holistic wellbeing. With this blueprint, we invest in students to empower them so they can make a positive impact beyond the College portals, contributing to a better world.
Meaningful Benefits for Every Boy
The new and enhanced facilities in the Master Plan Campus Vision offer numerous tangible benefits for all students. Firstly, the dedicated Wellbeing Centre will provide a centralised location for all allied health services, making it easier for students to access the support they need. The availability of sensory spaces and therapeutic areas for every BBC student will ensure that they have the resources to manage their wellbeing proactively, which is vital in ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive.
Additionally, the Vision includes upgraded sporting facilities, which are essential for promoting physical health and wellness among our students. By providing first-class amenities, we not only promote physical health but also contribute to the overall mental and emotional wellbeing of our students. These facilities rival those of any great school, preparing our students to face all challenges with confidence.
Supporting boys to excel involves providing them with the skills and environments they need to thrive. The integration of flexible and innovative learning spaces, greater technology integration, readily accessible wellness resources, spaces to build community, and collaborative learning opportunities through specific designs ensures that BBC students are equipped for success in the classroom and beyond. Additionally, aligning these facilities with the Tartan+ Wellbeing Program provides a holistic approach to student wellbeing. Tartan+ focuses on personalised support and development, which will greatly benefit from these enhanced infrastructures. With dedicated spaces for the various activities, this multi-faceted approach to support can expand its offerings and provide more targeted support for students. These purpose-built facilities ensure that students are prepared for the challenges they may encounter on their educational journey.
A Leading Light
The implementation of the Master Plan Campus Vision will enhance student wellbeing and position BBC as a leader in academic wellbeing. By adopting global best practices and integrating them into our campus design, we are setting a new standard for student support in Australia.
Well-known educational institutions around the globe have integrated wellbeing into their educational frameworks. Our commitment to a nurturing environment is vital for families who value holistic education and comprehensive wellbeing support. The emphasis on wellbeing in our Master Plan Campus Vision reflects a broader educational trend recognising the importance of mental and emotional health in academic success.
The Master Plan Campus Vision will position BBC as an industry leader in holistic education, ensuring all students are well-equipped to thrive in all aspects of life.