‘Truly collaborative environment’
Horsham St Brigid’s College leaders believe the school’s students will be better equipped to join the workforce following the introduction of an $8-million STEAM centre.
STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, maths and builds on the original VICSTEM program by adding a creative element.
The STEM and STEAM centres are designed to deliver a wide range of disciplines and skills that are increasingly in demand in a rapidly changing world.
St Brigid’s is set to build the first STEAM centre in regional Victoria.
Preliminary work has been completed and construction is due to start next year.
Business manager Tony Nield said he expected the construction phase to take about eight to 10 months, with the building ready for occupancy in 2020.
“It will be built on our current site in place of our current technology building,” he said.
Mr Nield said the college had been working towards securing a STEAM centre for several years.
“We are fully aware of the research-based outcomes for STEM and STEAM centres, where science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics are combined into one learning centre where students can excel in creativity or problem solving,” he said.
“Our STEAM centre will bring together the theory of maths and science subjects and the hands-on and practical worlds of the creative arts and technology subjects, to improve student skills in critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving in a truly collaborative environment.
“We know that many of today’s jobs will be replaced with new technology-stem jobs in the future – this means that creative thinking, problem solving, invention, creativity, collaboration and communication would be key skills.
“The centre will set our students up for jobs in the future, even for jobs that might not exist today but will when they are ready to join the workforce.”
Mr Nield said the centre would be a hub for modern learning, integrating digital and design technologies, creative and performing arts, maker spaces, 3D printing, sciences and maths.
He said the ‘maker spaces’ would allow students to explore, invent, design and play.
“The centre will also incorporate new facilities for our expanding performing and creative arts programs,” he said.
Member for Mallee Andrew Broad in December announced St Brigid’s College would receive a $1.7-million capital grant towards the new building.
The school will pay the balance of the funding from a mix of finance and school reserves.