A multimillion-dollar performing arts centre named after a former scholar could help propel students at one Adelaide high school to stardom.
The Raymond Crowe Performing Arts Centre includes a recording studio, studio space and a 200-seat theatre. It opened on Monday 27 May as part of a $14 million facility upgrade to Valley View Secondary School in the SA capital’s north-eastern suburbs.
The Raymond Building also includes a new reception area, a learning hub, general learning and teaching areas, and a well-being space.
Mr Crowe graduated from Valley View in 1979 and is now an ambassador for the school. He made his mark on US television as part of The World’s Greatest Magic, a series of television specials showcasing a range of magic acts.
School upgrade supports rising student numbers
With enrolment figures at the school almost doubling in six years – up from 278 in 2017 to 524 in 2023 – Valley View Secondary School principal Yvette Swaalf says the new centre will boost the school’s performing arts curriculum across music, drama and dance.
“We’re thrilled to be able to name the space in honour of our school ambassador Raymond Crowe,” she says.
“Our school motto is Every Student Matters and the facility upgrade has certainly shown our students how valued they are and had a big impact on the learning culture in our school community.”
Recognising the pathways passion can lead to
Minister for Education Blair Boyer opened the upgrade, which includes five new classrooms in the refurbished upper level of the school’s Arman Building, named after another former student, City of Adelaide councillor Arman Abrahimzadeh.
“Valley View has seen an incredible transformation in recent years with enrolment figures almost doubling and that’s because we have outstanding people working in our schools,” My Boyer says.
“The new performing arts centre, named in recognition of a former student, will give students the opportunity to showcase their talents and see the pathways that their passions can take them on once they leave school.”
