31 Jul 2020
Term 3 at Yass High School will be the dawn of a new era of scientific learning. The construction of the new STEM block was completed late Term 2 and students have begun to explore the new technologies, science labs and diverse array of available learning spaces. These learning spaces include seminar rooms, labs, a mini lecture theater, and a state-of-the-art computer room.
The tools of these classrooms incorporate interactive whiteboard walls and desks, projector screens, contemporary table arrangements, and an array of new scientific equipment. And this is all incorporated into an aesthetically pleasing design. Staff and students are awed by the sizable windows that reveal “beautiful views” of the town and surrounding nature. The facilities are designed to promote a fun, versatile, and creative learning environment. Tamara, a biology student in Year 12 says, “It feels like a university.”
The modern style of this facility blends charismatically with the familiar old atmosphere that the students have become accustomed to, yet has an invigorating potential that encourages students to push their limits and boundaries.
There has been overwhelmingly positive opinions of the new learning space from both staff and students.
Science teacher Robyn Chaplin who has spent 28 years contributing to Yass High says, “I love this new building, it has many different areas for different types of teaching.” She relishes the chance to use the “cutting edge technology” and believes the new building is “an outstanding resource and a privilege to teach in.” Similarly, Head Teacher of Science at YHS, Tracy Randall, expresses that it “is a lovely new space that is clean and comfortable to work in.” She says that “after ten and a half years it is nice to not have to go outside to the bathroom!”
The staff are “excited by the opportunities the technology in the learning space will bring.” Science teacher Scott Anderson is also impressed with the new facility and thinks it will be “a great facility for learning”’ and contains the “best tools for the job.” “It lets me do my job better and more efficiently.” And that is not to mention the climate control heating and cooling system that keeps out those frosty mornings and lets staff and students bask in comfort all year round. Year 12 student Anna Betts says she “loves it” and says “it really enhances my learning experience in class and motivates me to pursue a scientific career.”
Staff and students say it has been “a long time coming” but are all very excited to start learning with the best that Yass High School has to offer.
By Emily Targett and Pierce Gourlay. Originally published in the July 8 edition of the Yass Valley Times Photo credit: Ben Duncan
These links will allow you to view the Gallery (https://yass-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/gallery/new-stem-building.html), take a virtual tour of the new STEM building ( https://poly.google.com/view/9XBy_S4rZh9) and a 360 degree walk through video(https://youtu.be/n4ktHfkRRHs) and hopefully allow you to gain an insight into this state of the art educational building. We are sure that there will be an opportunity for our wider school community to access this space in the coming months.
