A new centre for innovation and learning in the ACT school system has been opened in Tuggeranong to afford students the chance to develop their skills in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Officially opening the Centre for Innovation and Learning at the Caroline Chisholm School, Minister for Education and Early Child Development, Yvette Berry said some estimates suggested that about 75 per cent of the fastest growing occupations required skills in STEM disciplines.
“As students develop these skills, they also grow their capability to work collaboratively, think creatively and critically, analyse and solve problems, and use digital technology,” Ms Berry said.
She said the Centre would help ACT students learn for an unknown future, where a rapidly changing economy meant the jobs and industries in which they would work might not currently exist.
“The Centre provides flexible areas for individual and small group work, as well as large showcase events,” Ms Berry said.
“It has multi-use science laboratory facilities for chemical, biological and physical science activities, technology, robotics and 3D printing laboratory facilities, areas for design and construction, electronic displays and writable surfaces, and excellent wireless internet connectivity for online learning and coding.”
She said the building was also flexible enough to be used for other curriculum activities and provided a professional development venue for teachers and teacher professional associations.
“While the facilities are impressive, I’m more excited about how the ACT’s amazing teachers will use the Centre to facilitate great learning for inquiring, innovative students,” Ms Berry said.
“Through the Future of Education conversation, students and business have told me how important it is that students are learning for the future,” he said.
