Mr Mark Pavone | Head of Co-Curriculum
The Ball is in Our Court
In a world that is changing at a faster pace than ever, including in the rapidly evolving field of education, the need for state-of-the-art facilities has never been more critical. This need extends beyond the spaces where academic learning occurs. BBC’s co-curriculum program plays a vital role in the development of students, offering benefits that extend outside of the classroom. Our sports and activities facilities play a critical part in the delivery of that program. The new Master Plan Campus Vision enables us to deliver on our commitment to providing an environment where every student can thrive, exploring their passions and interests.
State of Play
A quick walk around the BBC campus reveals the hive of building works currently underway in support of the Co-Curriculum Department. By expanding and improving our facilities, these works are ensuring that each student has access to the resources they need and deserve so that they can continue pursuing their passions and interests.
- The recent resurfacing of the Senior Tennis Courts has assisted not just the First IV in their second premiership in a row but also each of our tennis players in their exceptional success during GPS and representative opportunities. Coupled with the upcoming resurfacing of our Junior Tennis Courts and a reshaping for dual-purpose use, this will ensure BBC can continue to offer one of the best tennis programs in the country. The new surface reflecting the Green, White, and Black ensures all players and visitors are fully aware they are on the grounds of Brisbane Boys’ College.
- Our recently installed, brand new, state-of-the-art cricket nets provide all of our current and future cricket legends the opportunity to play our national sport in pristine conditions. With inclusions like new turf nets and an electronic scoreboard, this development will centralise our cricket operations and make BBC the envy of many other schools.
- New lighting over the pool and in the Barbara Helen Thomson Sports Complex will help enhance our current facilities for GPS and Club sports.
- Our completely refurbished Powerzone, with new equipment, flooring and painting, will support all of our students and their athletic endeavours.
- The installation of a covered barbeque facility adjacent to the Old Collegians’ Pavilion will provide a dedicated space for Parent Support Groups to support game days with the provision of food and refreshments.
- In order to ensure our supporters have a full view of the sports being played on Noblet Oval, the retaining wall will be removed to make way for tiered spectator seating. This space will also provide new outdoor teaching spaces for both academic and co-curricular activities.
With the proof in the pudding, as they say, the current upgrades to our facilities are impacting the environment every day, enabling students to grow and excel in the co-curriculum space.
Game Plan
Our Master Plan Campus Vision is set to deliver significant benefits across our sports and activities programs with the construction of new, world-class sports complexes, multi-purpose spaces, and brand-new activity areas, as well as specialised facilities aimed at expanding our plethora and quality of offerings via a range of projects.
- Of great excitement for competitive activities is a new High-Performance Sports Centre coupled with all the support services, which will significantly enhance our sports program offerings.
- A number of team and group meeting spaces will complement the build, in addition to various play areas for boys to have informal opportunities to increase their skills and fitness.
- Increased seating capacity will support all our field-based sports on Noblet, P&F, and Miskin Ovals.
- Additional parking spaces and event areas will enable our community to come together for our match-day activities with greater ease.
- The refurbishment of the Barbara Helen Thomson Sports Complex and an additional tennis court will increase the opportunity for students to play court-based sports and activities during their time at the College.
- BBC Rowing will enjoy an upgraded rowing centre to further support one of the College’s most iconic sports.
Overall, the Master Plan Campus Vision’s approach will provide further opportunities to support the holistic education of each boy with modern facilities and the latest technologies and equipment to enhance athletic performance, support fully inclusive participation, reinforce enhanced health and wellbeing programs, and provide community areas where parents, Old Boys, and friends of the College can engage in events and gatherings. Most importantly, the expansion of our facilities will bring tremendous benefits to the boys, not just through the provision of building works but through the enhanced support of the programs provided. The Master Plan Campus Vision truly supports the College’s core mission to educate the ‘whole boy’.