International Grammar School (IGS) in Ultimo has taken a bold and beautiful step in early childhood education with the launch of its new purpose-built Kindergarten Centre – an enchanting, child-centred learning environment designed to nurture imagination, confidence and a lifelong love of learning.
The Kindergarten Centre is one of the transformative initiatives within the School’s Strategic Plan, Into the World. Opened in May 2025, the Centre is the result of community collaboration, world-class design and a clear vision: to create a space where the School’s youngest learners can thrive in their very first year of school.
Every detail has been carefully considered with children at the heart – from flexible learning spaces and tactile materials to a joyful, one-of-a-kind slide.
Spanning two levels of the IGS Wright Building, the Centre connects seamlessly with the outdoor Peace Garden, offering students the opportunity to move naturally between indoor and outdoor learning. Designed by leading Australian architects BVN, the space reflects contemporary best practice in early childhood education, shaped by extensive consultation with educators, families and students.
Architecturally, the Centre honours the cultural and ecological history of the site. Once a creek and gathering place for the Gadigal people, the area has inspired the use of natural textures and forms in the design. It also echoes First Nations practices such as possum skin cloaks, which tell stories of identity, belonging and place.
Student voice is at the heart of the IGS philosophy – and the new Centre’s most talked-about feature began as a student idea. More than a decade ago, a Kindergarten child shared a bold vision: a classroom with a slide. That student is now IGS Head Boy Lachlan. At the Centre’s official opening, Principal Ms Shauna Colnan revealed that Lachlan was indeed the first to test the slide – fulfilling a dream years in the making.
Kindergarten Open Morning
Families interested in Kindergarten are warmly invited to visit during the Centre’s immersive Open Morning on 14 August, hosted by Head of Kindergarten to Year 2 Ms Julia Preece.
This event offers a wonderful opportunity to step inside the new space, meet passionate educators and learn more about how IGS supports children to flourish from their very first day of school.
Register for the Open Morning at https://www.igssyd.nsw.edu.au/open-mornings/.
