More than 400 public primary schools across Western Australia will benefit from a new $18.2 million primary school science program, as part of the McGowan Labor Government’s 2021-22 State Budget.
WA Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery was at Rostrata Primary School on Friday to announce the program, which will see classrooms at more than 130 schools upgraded into science laboratories to help deliver quality science, technology, engineering and mathematics education in all public schools.
Upon completion of the classroom upgrade, these schools will receive $25,000 resource grants.
Ellery said she was pleased the government could deliver a key election commitment to turn primary school classrooms into science labs.
“We’ve already transformed 200 classrooms at schools across the state and this further investment in the program will enhance education in science in more than 400 classrooms,” she said.
As part of the package, more than 280 additional primary schools will also have access to $10.3 million worth of science resource grants to enable them to boost their science education equipment and materials.
Schools can use the resource grants to purchase equipment such as 3D models, digital microscopes, 3D printers, virtual reality headsets, robotics kits and renewable energy kits.
WA Science Minister Roger Cook added that it’s essential that students are provided with the highest quality facilities and resources in science, technology, engineering and maths so they are prepared for the jobs they need in the future.
“Equipping our kids with STEM skills will drive the State’s technological future and help achieve amazing things like preventing diseases and protecting our environment,” he said.
This program builds on the previous McGowan Government election commitment which delivered 200 science laboratories and resources to public schools around the Western Australia.
Subscribe to Education Matters for the latest education news.
