Pioneer High to get $1.1m ‘world-class’ science block

The project will overhaul five science labs, two classrooms and provide a dedicated robotics laboratory

PIONEER State High School's science block will undergo a $1.1 million renovation bringing it into the modern age.

Principal Matthew Horton said the project would overhaul five science labs and two classrooms with new gas, electricity and chemical storage as well as provide a dedicated robotics laboratory with static-proof floor.

"A dedicated robotics lab will help us expand our mission to make science accessible to all students," Mr Horton said.

 

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He said the improvements would also help diversify career options for students.

"Science learning can be just as relevant to students whose ambitions lie in the traditional trades or engineering as it is those pursuing an academic path," he said.

Pioneer State High School Year 12 students Letrisha Henry, Mackenzie Smith and Lara Feenaghty chatting with Queensland Government Education Minister Grace Grace and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert with principal Matthew Horton about how COVID-19 changed their experience. Picture: Heidi Petith

Education Minister Grace Grace said the boost to Pioneer High would make its science curriculum "state of the art" and "much more interesting".

"STEM education is vital in our state schools because we know STEM skills are preparing students for the jobs of the future," Ms Grace said.

 

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Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbert said it was important Mackay students had "top grade" facilities.

"It doesn't take long for the world to change these days," Ms Gilbert said.

Pioneer State High School science teacher Fred Houeling with Queensland Government Education Minister Grace Grace and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert. Picture: Heidi Petith

"We need to make sure that we show the students in our state schools that we value them and we know they can step up and do the jobs".

The project is currently in the design phase and it was hoped it would move into construction by the start of 2021, Mr Horton said.

The high school is one of four Mackay schools to score a major upgrade as part of a $220 million school improvement program and tradies job bonanza announced last week.

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