Fund boost to upskill in science

Twelve schools across Rockingham, Baldivis and Kwinana are set to see classrooms at their schools turned into science laboratories, thanks to $25,000 in funding from the State Government.

The funding rollout across the region is designed to encourage students to pursue jobs of the future, with schools involved including Makybe Rise, Bertram, Warnbro, Orelia, Calista, Medina, Hillman, Koorana, East Waikiki, Bungaree and Rockingham Lakes primary schools.

As one of the primary schools in Baldivis taking part, Baldivis Gardens Primary Schools will have a classroom converted into a science lab, packed with high-tech equipment.

Baldivis MLA Reece Whitby said schools would be able to purchase items including 3-D printers, robotics kits, digital microscopes and virtual reality headsets.

We need to make sure kids get the chance to embrace science, technology, engineering and mathematics because these skills will be in high demand,

“We need to upskill local students with science skills so they can secure jobs that don’t even exist yet.”

Baldivis Gardens Primary School principal Jayne Ebsworthy said the school was delighted to receive funding, stating it would enhance the opportunities already being provided through teacher Kym Raphael’s specialist science program. “In our foundation year our pre-primary to Year 6 students have really engaged with Mrs Raphael’s hands-on approach to teaching science and we are confident these additional funds will make their science learning experiences even more exciting and challenging,” Ms Ebsworthy said.

Warnbro MLA Paul Papalia said he was excited to see the science programs of Warnbro, Koorana and Rockingham Lakes Primary schools grow.