Whitsunday Anglican School unveils plans for new science, design centre

The federal government will contribute almost $3 million to the major science centre that will tap into the region’s industry’s strengths.

The federal government will kick in $2.9 million to help develop an advanced technological hub at Whitsunday Anglican School with construction to start next year.

The funds, through the Capital Grants Program, represent a third of the overall cost of the project school principal Andrew Wheaton said would be a “world-class facility for students from kindergarten to Year 12”.

Mr Wheaton said the new learning hub had been developed through a leading research partnership between the school and the University of Melbourne.

“We are proud to be at the forefront of innovative education and for this major opportunity to be realised for students in our region,” he said.

“The Resource, Science and Design Centre will be a world-class facility for students from Kindergarten to Year 12.

Whitsunday Anglican School Principal Andrew Wheaton, Dawson MP George Christensen with Whitsunday Anglican School students Aaushiee Jain, Hudson Nel, and Amelie Jarvis. Picture: Lillian Watkins

“It is designed to support young people to develop the real-life skills they need for success beyond school, facilitating creativity, collaboration, innovation and enterprise.

“It will allow our students to immerse themselves in the world of Artificial Intelligence, 3D printing, robotics, the resource industry, the Internet of Things, biotechnology, food production, and much more.”

Dawson MP George Christenen, at the school to announce the funds and project on Friday, said the Resource, Science and Design Centre was designed to link in with the region’s industry strengths “and provide future opportunities for students” in science, technologies, engineering, mathematics and design.

Year six student Nathaniel Smith, Whitsunday Anglican School board chairman David Watts, Dawson MP George Christensen, principal Andrew Wheaton and prep student Aaushiee Jain. Picture: Lillian Watkins

Whitsunday Anglican School will build a new science centre to create more opportunities in the science sectors for students. Picture: Lillian Watkins

“This multi-functional facility will add another facet to Whitsunday Anglican School’s educational offering and I am happy to announce today that the Australian Government is providing $2.9 million for the project under the Capital Grants Program, which provides funding for non-government schools to invest in their infrastructure,” he said.

Whitsunday Anglican School year 12 students William Deeley and Emma Carroll. Picture: Lillian Watkins

The two-storey centre will feature cutting-edge scientific laboratories, extended experimentation investigation laboratories, a Maker Space tailored for innovation including robotics, drones, constructivist learning, 3-D printing and Artificial Intelligence, breakout zones for teamwork, reflection and idea-generating pods, learning commons and incubators, a Preparatory Room for experimental investigations, Physics, Chemistry and Biology laboratories, and a tertiary-inspired library, featuring a range of learning spaces designed to enhance and improve study

Whitsunday Anglican School will contribute 70 per cent of the estimated project cost, with funding from the Australian Government covering 30 per cent.

Mr Christensen said the project was one of 158 approved for funding under the Capital Grants Program to commence in 2021.