Construction has started on the first of 139 schools in South Australia receiving infrastructure overhauls in the State Government’s $250 million STEM works program.
Architects have already visited nearly all of the 77 primary schools, 44 high schools and 18 R-12 schools in the state that are receiving building and upgrade works.
South Australian Education and Child Development Minister Susan Close says the State Government has created the STEM Works program, which will benefit around 75,000 students across the State, because “it is important to invest in our children and give them the best opportunities for their futures”.
Through the STEM Works program, schools in South Australia will receive new flexible learning areas, including individual breakout spaces, laboratories, maker areas, collaborative learning spaces and outdoor learning spaces.
{loadposition peter}The areas will be fitted out to cater for teaching a range of specialist topics including 3D printing, food production, laser cutting, robotics, agricultural engineering and health.
The Minister says each school will have its own unique design to reflect its key areas of interest.
“We want South Australian children to have the best chance to develop skills in technology-related fields so they are well equipped to claim the jobs of the future.
“Many primary students are excited to learn about STEM, and I know Brompton Primary School students and teachers are eager for their new facilities that will help them learn and engage.”
Builders arrived at Brompton Primary School on Monday to begin creating the school’s $1million STEM learning area, with work expected to be complete in mid-2017.