Katherine High School $15.4m upgrades set to get underway

A Northern Territory high school is set to receive a massive $15.4m to fund upgrades to its science, tech, math, arts and music facilities. Which school is

Katherine High School is set for a $15.4m upgrade. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford.

Katherine High School is set for an upgrade after a contract was awarded for the building of a new Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics Centre.

The $15.4m tender was awarded to M+J Builders which will begin construction on the state-of-the-art facility in the first quarter of this year.

The work is set to include upgrades to existing facilities, as well as the building of new structures.

It will be the fifth STEAM facility built by the NT government since 2016.

Chief Minister Eva Lawler said all Territory students deserved access to first-rate education infrastructure.

NT Chief Minister Eva Lawler said the government was investing in the Territory’s students. Picture: Fia Walsh

“Every child, no matter where they live, deserves the best quality education,” Ms Lawler said.

“We are investing in our Territory students, our future workforce, with the skills for the jobs of the future.

“STEAM Centres are popular amongst students as they provide innovative education opportunities with a focus on employment skills. This is our fifth STEAM centre delivered since 2016.

“This centre will go a long way in delivering engaging education for secondary students in the Big Rivers Region, and we know it will be welcomed by students and educators.”

The upgrade will include modern, purpose-built classrooms and new art and music studios with a tiered performance space.

Katherine High School principal Nick Lovering said he was looking forward to seeing the improvements put in place and the impact they will have on students.

Katherine High School principal Nick Lovering. Picture: Aaron Francis.

“The Katherine High School community welcomes this announcement and is excited by the prospect of beginning the build,” he said.

“We are committed to making Katherine High the eminent school in the Big Rivers Region and the addition of world-class facilities ensures that every student will have every opportunity to exceed their potential.”

As the only secondary school in Katherine, the high school is an integral part of the Big Rivers Region and Education Minister Mark Monaghan said he believed the upgrades will provide an important boost for the learning centre.

“Upgrading learning environments will additionally further support the school to attract and retain quality educators, while entice students to attend school more often,” he said.

“We want our children to dream big, and know that they can strive for those jobs of the future and we’re going to help them get there.”

Originally published as Katherine High School $15.4m upgrades set to get underway