Alexandra Hills State High School is set to build on its reputation for technological expertise, with construction of a new $4.77 million Centre for Excellence in Automation and Robotics now underway.
Member for Capalaba Don Brown joined Education Minister Grace Grace today to turn the ceremonial first sod for the centre, which will boast two design studios, three classrooms, a staff room and an undercover area future-proofed for three additional classrooms.
"This $4.77 million facility further demonstrates the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to giving our kids a great start to life through a world-class education," Mr Brown said.
"It will enhance the school’s reputation for innovation and excellence in the areas of design, robotics and coding."
Mr Brown said the school’s future-focussed programs were becoming increasingly popular.
"Around half the Year 9 cohort for 2019 have selected a digital technology subject as an elective," he said.
"The school, which operates its centre of excellence in partnership with the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), has seen a 150 per cent increase in the number of students studying academic technology subjects over the past three years.
"That number is likely to continue to increase once the new complex opens in time for the 2020 school year."
Ms Grace said the building project was part of the Queensland Government’s 2020 Ready program.
"Our 2020 Ready program is delivering the buildings and extensions we need to manage the increased student population in state high schools from the introduction of Prep in 2007.
"With the original half-cohort of Prep students set to graduate from high school at the end of 2019, we will have — for the very first time in 2020 — six full year levels of students in Queensland secondary schools.
Ms Grace said the State Government had a proven track record of delivering world class facilities and infrastructure projects for Queensland schools.
"The Palaszczuk Government is investing $4.7 million in the new facility, with the school contributing around $92,000," Ms Grace said.
"In 2018–19, we are delivering an overall infrastructure investment program across the state valued at more than $923 million.
"The Alexandra Hills State High School project is also helping to drive the Queensland economy by supporting up to 12 full-time jobs during construction."
Alexandra Hills State High School also hosts an annual competition open to all schools in the Redlands, called Innovate, which focusses on developing students’ skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
In 2018 a total of 200 students took part in Innovate, which also involves industry partners such as the Australian Centre for Robotic Vision at Queensland University of Technology, Freelance Robotics Hastings Deering CAT and others.
Alexandra Hills State High School Principal Gail Armstrong said she was delighted that the new centre was now a step closer.
"I am so excited that we will have a purpose-built home for our centre of excellence to help us prepare our students for jobs of the future," Ms Armstrong said.
"The new facility will enable teachers and students to really explore all the opportunities available in automation, robotics and science."
