Growing space needs The expansion of the Straßgang primary school, which was completed prior to the beginning of the current school year, was imperative because three newly established housing developments - including the so-called "Green City" - are in its catchment area. According to forecasts, this will increase the number of inhabitants in this part of Graz by 900 people in the next three years alone. The population is expected to grow by several thousand in the medium term, which will require an increase in the number of classes from eight to twelve. The demographic developments are, however, not the sole reason for the school's increased space needs. Afternoon care and integrated all-day education, which is to be offered in the future for at least one class per year, entail greater space needs, as do the language support classes for children whose first language is not German. The school's listed historical building had already been enlarged once in the 1980s, when the original number of classes was doubled to eight. Most recently, however, the spatial conditions were nevertheless more than cramped. Religious lessons had to take place in the crafts workshop. For lack of space, the special educational needs teacher employed for the integration class did her work in the corridor, where, in contradiction to fire safety regulations, the pupils' coat racks were also accommodated. Physical education took place in the neighbouring new middle school to the south. The children also went there for lunch. All in all, due to newer teaching formats and the influx of new residents, there was a need for an additional four classrooms, five group activity rooms, a central cloakroom, a gym, and an area for the all-day school including ancillary spaces, as well as commensurate enlargements of the sanitary facilities and staff work spaces. In addition, a library and a media room were also to be accommodated.
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