North Lake Senior Campus

Client North Lake Senior Campus
Industry Education / Government

Projects like this one are what make our hearts sing. Here we have a Government school unlike others, with no bells or school uniforms. NLSC is a place where students are treated as adults and come from public and private schools all over Western Australia and from around the world. They share in common a nurturing and transformative learning experience that sets them on a positive path towards their futures. We were tasked with communicating this unique school's efforts in a new website - but that's just the start...

NLSC's curriculum focuses on years 11 and 12, in preparation for student's further academic studies or entry into the workforce. As we listened to the amazing stories that emanated from the campus we were at once moved and intrigued. Because unlike many secondary schools, NLSC doesn't benefit from huge funding or marketing budgets. Yet they were consistently helping students, some who were top of their year at other schools, to others who could barely speak english on arrival, to realise the self confidence and determination to achieve in ways they would have once only dreamt of.

We soon realised that the common thread throughout these success stories was the enduring dedication of the teaching staff that combined with an honest culture of acceptance and respect, fostered the environment for students to thrive. We knew we needed to communicate this fundamental value.

Inspired by the students themselves and the more 'uni style' learning environment, we set about communicating their offering with a tone and style that was more sophisticated and down-to-earth than perhaps that of their more conservative counterparts. Collaborating with photographer Anna Pretorius and Deputy Principal David Sharp, we created an honest, direct and conversational style that spoke of friendship, of opportunity and heart, the culmination of which can be found on the website we designed and built.

We also created a new brandmark, positioner of 'Future Makers', printed materials and interim signage solutions in a staged process that allowed all stakeholders the time to adapt and engage with change. We feel privileged to have worked alongside these wonderful folk to help them tell the story of the amazing work they do every day!

"I have been working for WASTAA, compiling a data base of Level 3 teaching administrators' email contacts. I have seen a heap of web sites - the North Lake web site and its positive, welcoming and honest message is first rate. Well done!"

Andrew Bell , WA Secondary Teaching Administrators’ Association

Another fun and rewarding part of our journey with NLSC was creating wayfinding signage to welcome and guide students and visitors. The challenge was, with a big campus and a small budget, how could we create a solution that also enlivened the monotonous brick columns and surroundings?

We found the answer in colour murals and small wrap around column signs, picking up on the angular forms and Heimat stencil font that are key features in NLSC's brand tool kit. The result has provided a much needed facelift to the campus and much less questioning of where specific areas are located! It's easy now, just look for the coloured walls...  

"I LOVE the new design for North Lake and feel proud to have been part of the team that has led the development of its future as expressed in your amazing designs.  I think 'Future Makers' absolutely nails it. Thank you for your insight, professionalism and belief in the campus. What you have come up with is all that we could have hoped for and much more."

Audrey Smith, Former Principal

Scope

Branding & Strategy
Digital
Print
Campus Signage
Advertising

Objectives met