The Northern Territory’s newest Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics Centre officially opened at Dripstone Middle School during National Science Week.
The $2m centre – delivered by the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, on behalf of the Department of Education – was designed with the aim of providing a contemporary teaching environment, with a focus on supporting enquiry-based learning, collaborative peer learning and access to innovative technology for students from years seven to year nine.
By upgrading existing facilities, combined with constructing new areas, the result is high-quality, modern educational infrastructure that has been built to meet the needs of staff and students in a way that’s exciting and sustainable.
It’s the fourth STEAM Centre delivered by the Northern Territory Labor Government and will enable more than 550 current – and countless future students – to participate and develop in an innovative STEAM Centre.
“Our Territory Labor Government continues to invest heavily into building better schools and better facilities for students right across the Territory,” said Minister for Education, Eva Lawler.
Member for Casuarina, the Hon. Lauren Mos, said:
“I have no doubt that the STEAM Centre will foster a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics in young people, putting them in good stead for a future career in these fields.”
For Principal of Dripstone Middle School, Nektaria Pikoulos, the benefits of allowing students “to have a space to work on their scientific inquiry, creativity, and problem-solving skills, preparing them as lifelong learners and as global citizens” will be seen for years to come.
“This space allows teachers to walk side-by-side with students as they pursue creativity and innovation when exploring new challenges and developing their creativity, innovation, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills as well as technology literacy.” she said.
Local contractor Maxcon completed the cutting-edge construction, with a design that was a collaboration between the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics and professional design consultant, Hames Sharley.
The STEAM Centre features a green room, maker space, robotics lab, and outdoor cultural learning space, as well as classrooms that are built-for-purpose to help enhance student learning opportunities and inspire a new generation of artists, scientists, engineers, and mathematicians.
