Rector Clive Rennie said two of the school's science laboratories and the technology block would be refurbished later this year.
The technology block was built in the mid-1980s and houses the woodwork, metalwork and art rooms.
The $700,000 upgrade includes replacing window joinery, rearranging the internal layout, new suspended ceilings, breakout space and upgrading the ventilation system, he said.
''We're moving metalwork out the back to where art was, and that gives them more scope for welding bays and spray painting areas.
''They will virtually be able to spray paint cars out there.
''They are certainly going to be able to do things a lot more comfortably than they can at the moment.
''I think what's happened with both of those subjects [metal and woodwork] over the last few years is, things have changed - they do much bigger projects.
''Certainly, the capacity in the metal area in particular will be increased.''
There would be some scope to do some metalwork outside under shelter as well, he said.
The $530,000 upgrade of the two science labs included gutting the labs, replacing the roofs and window joinery and upgrading the fire protection.
''They haven't been modernised since the buildings were put up in the 1960s.
''They're getting a real face-lift and modernisation with all the services.''
It was hoped at the same time to carry out earthquake strengthening work on the historic Shand Building, which was expected to cost a further $700,000, he said.
Building will begin in November this year and is expected to be completed in time for the beginning of the 2015 school year.
Mr Rennie said the timing of the building projects was ideal because it would cause the least amount of disruption to classes.
''We've struggled to get the money spent and we're very happy that we're now able to go ahead with these projects.''
