Science in Schools is the A$ 17 million election commitment of the McGowan Government that aims to transform 200 primary school classrooms into science laboratories by 2021. The first transformation of a primary school classroom into a science laboratory has been completed.
Premier Mark McGowan shared that they want all the children in Western Australia to be excited about science from a young age so that they can continue to study it in secondary school and prepare for jobs of the future.
According to the announcement made by the Government of Western Australia, the Belmont Primary School opened the doors to its new science lab. The science lab was designed to improve the science education so that they equip the students with the necessary skills for the jobs of the future.
Aside from having their classroom converted, the school was also able to receive A$ 25,000 so that they can purchase laboratory equipment such as test tube kits, trolleys, microscopes, experimental resources and construction materials.
Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery explained that their focus on science in schools means more students across the State can take part in new learning experiences in a well-equipped, contemporary science lab, and teachers have more resources to plan hands-on activities.
Science Minister Dave Kelly highlighted that having access to first class equipment and resources in the classroom is essential to igniting an interest in science in students.
Out of the 100 schools allocated in the first round with target delivery in 2018 and 2019, Belmont Primary School is the first one to be completed. Half of the allocated schools are in low socio-economic areas.
Public schools can express their interest to be included in the second round, which will see another set of 100 science laboratories that will be delivered starting in 2020. Selection of schools is based on their plans to grow and improve science education to skill students for jobs in the future. They can submit expressions of interest starting on 24 July 2018 and ending on 17 August 2018.
Premier McGowan explained that important skills are learnt in science, technology, engineering and mathematics which are vital for future jobs.
Minister Ellery added that the generic skills students will learn in these new labs are vital for their future job prospects and for the State's future economy.
Minister Kelly said that the delivery of this election commitment complements the McGowan Government's initial investment of A$ 3.3 million to begin delivery of the State's first STEM skills strategy.
An announcement released earlier highlighted the goals and pillars of Western Australia's first ever State STEM skills strategy in order to drive WA's future jobs and future skills, which is initiated by the McGowan Government.