Nautilus College is moving ahead with plans for an education precinct in Port Macquarie after moving to a new building on Albert Circuit.
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The college provides an opportunity for students not suited to or disengaged from mainstream education to enter year 10 and complete a Record of School Achievement (RoSA).
The RoSA is issued by the New South Wales Education Standards Authority in New South Wales to students who complete year 10 but leave school before achieving the Higher School Certificate.
Principal John Beaumont said the special assistance school moved into its new building on July 20.
"The change has been a long time coming because previously we were only registered for 45 students and now we have surpassed that number," he said.
"We needed a larger premises and Mid North Coast Community College purchased this building with the cafe, before and after school care. The area we have moved into wasn't used and we have renovated it.
"We are now registered for 80 and we are currently at 47 students. I think the number of students will increase further as we have entered into an understanding with the stock camp located at Kundabung for students from the Kempsey region.
"It will be a break for those students to come here to do their RoSA with us."
Mr Beaumont said the new building is a much larger space with more learning areas, new quiet spaces, staff areas, preparation areas and appliances.
The college has also received electronic whiteboards from St Columba Anglican School and a $1000 grant from Port Macquarie Sunrise Rotary.
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Nautilus student Brock Bermingham said the new building is a welcome change for students.
"It's better. It has a lot more windows and lets in sunlight which makes everyone happier," he said.
"It's warmer because of the sunlight and we have new whiteboards which are good.
"The first week back was good to do schoolwork and catch up with friends. I like my science such as physics."
Mr Beaumont said the ultimate aim of the new expansion is to create an education precinct open to the community.
"The Makerspace (located across from the college) is under the Mid North Coast Community College, as is the before and after school care, the cafe, Kids Crazy Maze and the school," he said.
"The idea is that hopefully there will be an education precinct available for everybody in the community.
"People will be able to come down here, complete a course, have a cup of tea, meet up and someone to talk to. That's the aim."
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