Both Moora and Bindoon Primary Schools in the Northern Valleys region will be one of the first 100 schools across the state to receive funding to convert classrooms into science labs in 2018 and 2019.
The funding, part of a $17 million election commitment by the McGowan Labor Government will see an area at each school converted into a science laboratory.
The schools will also receive $25,000 to purchase laboratory equipment and resources such as 3D models of the solar system and human anatomy, digital microscopes, 3D printers, virtual reality headsets, robotics kits and renewable energy kits.
Mr Glen Bewick, Principal of Bindoon Primary School was thrilled to hear that their application had been successful. “The refurbishment of the current science room will enhance the opportunities of all of our children and give added impetus to excelling their learning to new levels. On top of that, $25000 to purchase science resources is incredibly exciting for us and will support new and engaging ways of science teaching and learning,” he said. “We have created wonderful links with local business and organisations such as Chittering Landcare, Tronox and local agriculture, with this exciting development for our school community we can only see these links growing further and making our school unique, distinctive and a great advantage for our children.”
Mr Bewick said the school was also planning an official opening to celebrate the end result with the whole community.
Schools were selected based on their plans to grow and improve science education to skill students for the jobs of the future.
Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery commented that it is vital for today’s students to understand the concepts taught in science, technology, engineering and mathematics for their future job prospects. “Even those students who don’t become science practitioners will benefit from the generic skills science subjects teach them — teamwork, problem solving, creativity, independent thinking, critical analysis, initiative and communication,” she said.
