Urban, vertical (UV) schools are a new type of high school in Australia. A growing urban population—together with a dire shortage of urban land—is compelling Australian education providers to invest millions of dollars in a new architectural type. The Thriving in Vertical Schools research project investigates the experiences of students in these urban, vertical schools.
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Student stories gathered from over 250 pioneering year 8 students have been shared with leaders and designers in three newly opened UV schools. Students have identified benefits and challenges from innovations and ideas for future innovation.
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New vertical schools provide an opportunity for designers, school leaders, teachers, students, families and communities to think differently about what schooling in Australia can look like.
explore our theory toolkitThis theory-building case study of vertical schools is informed by stories from students in three of the pioneering vertical schools in Australia: Adelaide Botanic High School (opened 2019), Prahran High School, Melbourne (opened 2019), and Fortitude Valley State Secondary College, Brisbane (opened 2020). Each of the case study schools has different origin stories, design processes and are built for different climates yet together they represent many shared experiences. Each school has been able to question what and how students need to learn to live well in a challenging and exciting world.
Data collected across 2022 and 2023 has included students generating:
Adults reflected in:
