By Harrison Christian
Copyright news
The new John Cunningham Student Centre at Scots College in Bellevue Hill was built in the style of a baronial castle.
Originally slated to cost $29 million, the plan to revamp the school’s old brutalist library took seven years to execute and was hampered by building delays and cost blowouts.
At least one parent was unhappy when they were hit with a $50 fee to attend the building’s opening earlier this year.
But now they’re concerned about the building’s functionality as a library.
They have sent the school’s leadership 36 questions seeking clarity about how the library works.
Questions include whether there are any full-time qualified librarians, how many books the library holds, and whether students can borrow them.
They also asked for the building’s opening hours.
“It is our understanding that many comparable GPS schools maintain professionally staffed, well-resourced libraries with qualified librarians who play an integral role in supporting student achievement, engagement and wellbeing,” the two-page letter said.
“Given the importance of information literacy and critical research skills in education, the role of a modern school library cannot be overstated.”
The letter also pointed out that another prestigious school, Shore, had at least six librarians.
The school recently angered local residents over its successful application to increase student numbers from 1120 to 1520, and to add a new underground car park with tennis courts above.
Paul Blanket, spokesman for the Concerned Scots Neighbours group, said these additional plans would have “major flow-on effects on a clogged-up local road network”.
On its website, Scots described the John Cunningham Centre as “far more than an impressive building”.
“Housed within it are learning spaces and spaces for students to meet and learn together,” it said.
Scots, founded in 1893, charged tuition fees of $25,000 and $46,000 per student from Kindergarten to Year 12 in 2024.
The school’s headmaster, Ian Lambert, travelled to Scotland in August with the Scots College Pipes and Drums.
The group performed on the lawns of Balmoral Castle and Mr Lambert, along with students, had the opportunity to meet King Charles.
News.com.au has contacted Scots College for comment.
