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Facilities
NextSense School was officially opened by The Hon Anthony Albanese MP in August 2024. We’re located on the edge of the Macquarie University campus in Macquarie Park. Our state-of-the-art building is custom-designed for children with sensory disabilities. Our students leverage cutting-edge technology and resources to explore, develop, and expand their talents.
Classrooms
Our classrooms are designed to have teacher and a learning support assistant up to 10 children. Each classroom includes both wet and dry areas to enrich each student’s experience. Teachers use a ProWise smart board and students utilise whiteboard tabletop desks. We use our flexible breakout spaces for focused learning therapy.
Our students were big decision-makers when it came to choosing our classroom furniture. The children came together in a workshop to select the colour palette and type of furniture. Every student has their own locker with space for a hat and drink bottle outside their classroom.
Multipurpose Room
Our multipurpose room has a foldable wall leading to outside play. This is where students get their creative juices flowing! You’ll find amazing art, craft, music, drama and STEM activities in this space. All our rooms have signs in English and braille.
School Hall
Our school hall has a wooden floor that sits atop a cement slab. This design means children who are deaf or hard of hearing can feel the vibrations through the floor. We also have a huge sub-woofer to help the children get a feel for the beat.
Student Kitchen
The student kitchen is a wonderful place for learning essential life skills. This inclusive environment features height-adjustable benches and sinks. Users of all heights and abilities can enjoy the facilities.
Canteen
The NextSense Cafe provides our canteen with fresh food each day. This is a place where students can relax and socialise with their peers. Parents can place lunch orders through our handy app.
Library
Our beautiful library is big enough for students to break off into different areas. Here, children delight in story time sessions, reading and other activities. We have a range of books and other resources available. Our Accessibility and Inclusion team provide content in braille and large print.
Classroom Teachers and’ Therapists
The classroom teachers and’ therapists is one of the most popular spaces in the whole building. It’s used by therapists to aid in the development of fine and gross motor skills. It also helps children burn physical energy. This means they can concentrate better when they’re back in the classroom. There are some quiet, soothing elements like a cocoon swing and open swing. Adjoining this is our quiet sensory room which offers a calming retreat space.
Deck and Sports Courts
Our large deck provides an open outdoor learning environment. The basketball and handball courts are very popular with spaces at lunchtime.
Playground
Our school playground is fun, safe and inclusive. There are many different activities to meet the sensory needs of our students. The rubber soft fall and roofing allow for protected all-weather play. The deck has bells that create a sensory experience for students who are blind or have low vision. Our swing and roundabout are low to the ground to enable students’ equal access. We also have a Liberty swing for our students who use wheelchairs. From our sandpit to our horns, tunnel and climbing ropes, there’s plenty to keep everyone busy.
