LAKES Grammar, an Anglican School, officially opened state-of-the-art science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) facilities valued at more than $4 million on Monday.
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Principal of the Warnervale-based school, Michael Hannah, said the purpose-built facilities would provide both junior and senior students access to cutting-edge technologies such as robotics, coding and 3D printing.
“The development of STEM education as part of our overall offering will allow students to engage with the contemporary world and further develop their 21st century learning capacities such as critical thinking, creativity and problem solving which are enormously important values for our future workforce” Mr Hannah said.
“Students will have access to learning experiences that simply cannot be achieved in a normal classroom setting”.
Mr Hannah said integrating science, engineering and mathematics into the teaching program at the school had been a game changer.
"It's more like what life is, it's integrated, so what we're able to offer is more real-life learning experiences."
Mr Hannah said the design for the new building was completed in consultation with teachers and the result was learning areas that were more spacious, safe and efficient.
"The design is actually better than I had envisaged," he said.
"The spaces we've created will make for a more effective work flow. The extra space we have now is amazing.
"It's also a safer space, and the students can be more creative with what they're doing."
The new works at the school also saw the creation of a dedicated drama studio complete with stage lighting, curtains and rehearsal mirrors in a room previously used for STEM classes.
The additions to the school have been more than 12 months in the making.
The buildings were officially opened by the Bishop of Newcastle, the Reverend Dr Peter Stuart.
In his address to the assembly, Reverend Stuart commended Lakes Grammar for its achievements.
"This school is committed to a wide, broad and holistic education," he said.
Member for Dobell, Emma McBride, spoke of her work as a pharmacist at Wyong Hospital and how her studies in sciences and 4-unit maths had been integral to her career path.
She encouraged the school's female students, in particular, to immerse themselves in the new facilities and embrace STEM studies with purpose and confidence.
Now in its 16th year, Lakes Grammar had 910 students enrolled in its K to 12 classes, Mr Hannah said.
The new additions to the school campuses were designed by Steiner Richards Architects and built by North Construction and Building.
The firm delivered its first project for the school in 2004 and has gone on to carry out all 11 stages of construction at the school since then.
"The flexible learning environment design promotes interactive education with large whiteboards, moveable multi-purpose furniture and open spaces large enough to accommodate various programming, robotic and 3-D modelling needs," a spokesperson for North Construction and Building said.