Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery has marked the significant achievement of delivering science labs for all of Kalgoorlie’s public primary schools by meeting with the students who are benefiting from the initiative.
The Minister visited the new dedicated science laboratory at North Kalgoorlie Primary School, which has been converted from an existing room.
It has been refurbished with benches, a trough, flooring, storage and appliances at a cost of $66,000.
The McGowan Government’s $17 million Investing in Primary Science program is ensuring 200 primary schools have dedicated science labs, equipment and resources.
Kalgoorlie students now have access to hands-on, high-quality science lessons in a dedicated area, and teachers are seeing this reflected in the standard of work.
Part of the Government’s commitment includes $25,000 towards equipment and resources. This will ensure the school keeps up with technology advances and skills its students for the jobs of the future.
North Kalgoorlie Primary School was established in 1902 and now provides education for 475 students from kindergarten to Year 6.
North Kalgoorlie Primary School received Independent Public School status in 2016 and has since focused on STEM as an area of distinction.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
“The concepts taught in science, technology, engineering and mathematics are critical for today’s students to understand for their future learning and job prospects.
“The students in Kalgoorlie now have a greater opportunity to engage in quality STEM learning and experience the wonders of science from a young age.
“It was fantastic to see students tackling scientific experiments in a dedicated lab with the right equipment today, especially under the guidance of their dedicated teacher.”
As stated by Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Kyle McGinn:
“North Kal already is a fantastic school here in the Goldfields that takes extra care with their students to make sure their learning is well-rounded and top quality.
“This science lab furthers the opportunities for learning that North Kal kids can access and will no doubt lay the foundation for future STEM jobs and careers.
“I am very proud that Minister Ellery and the McGowan Labor Government have been able to make sure every single public primary school in Kalgoorlie has had this funding for the science lab and equipment – that means no matter where you’re from no kid is missing out on this valuable education.”
