MILLICENT North Primary School is set to undergo a “million dollar makeover” in coming months to boost learning facilities for its students.
The money will be spent on revitalising an ageing block of classrooms used for teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Dating back to the school’s opening in 1968, “block one” will receive new walls, ceilings, floor coverings, toilets and data points.
There will also be new furniture including interactive whiteboards.
The State Government allocated $1m to STEM education at the school over a year ago.
Many months of negotiations have followed and as the school term finishs tomorrow, builders will have access to the Tenth Street site.
As part of the works, the existing computer room will be retained and upgraded.
MNPS principal Graham Slarks said the objective of the project has been to provide a STEM learning area directly accessible to middle school students from their home classrooms.
He said the upgrade will ensure that STEM learning opportunities are maximised and can be seamlessly integrated into daily activities.
It will provide the best opportunity to bring forward the creation of a STEM learning environment that MNPS currently does not have for this age group.
“The new areas and use of glass walls will enable teachers to efficiently co-teach in a traditional classroom and new STEM spaces,” Mr Slarks said.
“The scope of works will provide students with multiple spaces to engage in collaborative learning in break-out spaces adjacent to their home class room.
“The inclusion of upgraded IT hardware and software will provide an area conducive to heightened engagement facilitating the development of powerful learners through the provision of a range of spaces for investigation, creation and experimentation using digital and physical media.”
Ms Slarks said the design chosen for MNPS will also support STEM methodology in other ways.
“It will provide dry and wet areas and cater for outdoor learning in open and protected spaces,” he said.
“This will enhance the learning experiences for the students and ensure learning areas are clean and safe.”
MNPS governing council chairperson Heath Douglas said the redevelopment was all about creating opportunities for students.
“There have been a lot of discussions and it is fantastic to see the project go ahead,” Mr Douglas said.
“As a parent, I support the project and Millicent North is moving in the right direction.”
