Science Build Update
At just under 2000sqm it’s hard to comprehend the sheer scale of the new science building currently under construction at the Duncraig campus. This was certainly the case for Head of Campus Rosemarie Dunn and Head of Science Andrew Bacon who were both blown away when they were taken on a walk through the construction site to see the progress.
“When I first walked through, I thought, Wow! This is huge” remarked Rosemarie.
Once completed there will be 7 labs, a mezzanine floor for multi-purpose use and a forum space where exhibitions, investigation evenings and classes will be held.
“It’s going to broaden student’s learning experiences; it’ll provide opportunities especially in the aquaponics and marine biology space. Students won’t have to go off site to do experiments or collect data” explained Mrs Dunn “There’s also a great opportunity for cross-collaboration between the two campuses for the different courses.”
Andrew Bacon is particularly enthusiastic about how students will respond to the facilities once completed, “The new building is going to excite and enthuse students, it will inspire them about Science”.
The School has worked particularly hard on ensuring the construction does not impact students on campus. A temporary access road has been created for vehicles ensuring student safety. The recent pouring of the concrete pad took place in the pre-dawn light to minimise noise disruption to students during teaching hours.
As well as the concrete pad being poured, this term has seen the arrival of steel on site. A lot of behind-the-scenes decisions have been made. Everything from blind colours that will improve visibility for students in the classroom to external cladding materials to the best type of fridges for storing biological specimens.
As the steel is erected the size of this building will start to become more visible with completion expected towards the end of 2023. Once completed it will not only be the newest secondary science building in Western Australia but also one of the largest, a brilliant asset for inspiring young minds.