Coolum State High School students are one step closer to discovering the wonders of the universe with construction of a new science facility imminent.
Education Minister Grace Grace has announced contractor Integral Constructions Pty Ltd will deliver a $6.27 million two-storey learning centre and science building.
"This wonderful facility will be purpose-built to meet the demands of the growing school and will support up to 17 full-time jobs during construction," Ms Grace said.
"The upper floor of the building will be entirely dedicated to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects, with two modern science labs, two design studios, two flexible learning areas and a project room.
"The facility will also have a dedicated area for resource and science prep and equipment store rooms along with a collaborative space.
"The ground floor will include two general learning areas, staff work area, Head of Department offices, amenities and a spacious outdoor area for undercover play.
"With continued demand expected into the future for STEM classes, the undercover play area will be designed so that it can be transformed into a further five classrooms spaces when required."
Ms Grace said the project was being delivered under the Palaszczuk Government’s 2020 Ready program.
"Our 2020 Ready initiative is delivering the infrastructure we need to manage the increased student population in our high schools that resulted from the introduction of Prep back in 2007," she said.
"With the original half-cohort of Prep students set to graduate 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.
"I’m so pleased Coolum State High School is benefiting from this great initiative, with construction scheduled for completion in late 2019."
Coolum State High School Principal Troy Ascott said the new building would allow the school to offer students further opportunities in the STEM fields.
"This new science building will allow our students to develop the 21st century skills necessary to become successful global citizens, and will place us at the forefront of education well into the future," Mr Ascott said.
"These new classrooms will also give us plenty of space to accommodate our continued growth in enrolments."
