Peel High School’s AV upgrade elevates education and performance spaces
Peel High School in Tamworth, New South Wales, recently undertook a transformative audio-visual (AV) system upgrade in collaboration with Amber Technology. This ambitious project modernised the school's performance theatre and multipurpose centre, delivering a dual benefit: enhancing the user experience for staff and students while introducing professional-grade tools for learning and performance.
Background
As educational institutions increasingly rely on digital media to enrich learning, the need for robust AV systems has grown exponentially. At Peel High School, existing AV infrastructure in both the performance theatre and multipurpose centre had become outdated and limited in its capabilities. School administrators identified a strategic opportunity to invest in new AV technology that could support a wide range of educational and extracurricular activities.
The aim was not simply to replace old equipment but to create a high-functioning, future-ready AV environment that would meet the needs of teachers, performers, and students alike.
Objectives
The upgrade was driven by a clear set of objectives, each aligned with the diverse usage scenarios of the school's facilities.
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Advanced audio control and mixing: The school required a high-level audio solution for its theatre space, enabling Music and Drama departments to manage sound and lighting with precision. This included seamless integration with DMX lighting systems.
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User-friendly interface: With multiple staff members accessing AV systems—many without technical backgrounds—the solution had to be intuitive and efficient. Simple presets and touch-based control were essential.
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Student-focused enhancements: The system needed to support student involvement by including professional-grade wireless microphones and lapel units that could be used in classroom and performance settings.
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Improved visuals: To boost visibility during presentations and performances, the school specified high-lumen projectors and larger screens for both the theatre and the multipurpose centre.
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DMX lighting integration: Adding sophisticated lighting controls was key to enabling more dynamic and engaging theatrical performances.
Solutions
Amber Technology designed and implemented a comprehensive AV ecosystem, carefully selecting technologies to meet Peel High School's needs.
At the core of the audio solution was the Xilica platform, valued for its flexibility and ease of programming. A key highlight was its iPad-based control interface, which allowed both staff and students to operate sound systems efficiently, reducing technical barriers.
To complement the system, JTS microphones were introduced. These provided professional sound quality while remaining simple to use, making them ideal for students gaining experience in performance and public speaking.
A more advanced component was the Allen & Heath SQ5 digital mixer, integrated via Dante protocol. This setup allowed for high-input and output flexibility, letting users create custom presets and simulate real-world gig environments. Not only did this serve performance needs, but it also became a valuable teaching tool—particularly for students preparing for their Higher School Certificate (HSC) practicals. The experience of working with this industry-standard equipment gave learners a head start in potential careers in audio production.
One technical challenge involved the seamless integration of the SQ5 mixer and Dante setup, but this was successfully managed and led to greater control and scalability for future use.
Conclusion
The AV upgrade at Peel High School has set a new benchmark for what is possible in educational environments. By combining high-performance audio and visual systems with an accessible, user-centric design, Amber Technology has delivered a solution that empowers both staff and students.
The new system enhances everyday usability through simplified interfaces while simultaneously supporting advanced educational and performance applications. Students now benefit from hands-on exposure to professional tools, helping prepare them for real-world opportunities in AV and production.
For schools considering an investment in AV infrastructure, Peel High School stands as a model of how strategic technology upgrades can deliver long-term educational and operational value.