Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery today officially opened the upgraded science laboratory at Ocean Road Primary School in Dawesville.
The new science lab is part of the State Government’s Primary School Science Program, which is transforming 135 primary school classrooms into science labs.
The first round of the program transformed 200 primary school classrooms into purpose-built science laboratories with sinks, benches, 3D models and equipment.
At the 2021 election, the McGowan Government committed to transform an additional 135 classrooms into new science laboratories over four years.
The program has also delivered science equipment grants ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 to an additional 283 primary schools.
Ocean Road Primary School’s completed $60,000 science lab is providing a state-of-the-art learning and teaching environment for students and staff that aims to replicate what students will see when they enter the workforce.
The new science laboratory will support the school’s specialist science program, which incorporates science festivals and student academic extension programs. It will also enable the establishment of a specialist aquaponics program at the school.
Ocean Road Primary School has also received a $25,000 resource grant through the McGowan Government’s primary school science program, enabling them to update their science education equipment and materials, including the latest science technology.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
“I’m pleased to announce that the upgraded science laboratory at Ocean Road Primary School is complete and ready to be used by students and staff.
“This new science laboratory is part of our commitment to deliver modern science equipment and facilities for public primary school students across Western Australia.
“This impressive new facility will benefit the school’s specialist science program and improve the hands-on STEM learning opportunities on offer.
“It will also boost students’ future STEM study and careers by ensuring they have access to the latest technology to learn on.”
As stated by Dawesville MLA Lisa Munday:
“It’s essential that students have access to quality STEM facilities and resources to use at school, as it helps to get them ready for jobs of the future.
“Ocean Road Primary School already has a fantastic science program, but I know these wonderful new facilities will be welcomed by students and staff, and help them to really take STEM learning at the school to the next level.”
