Within this development three new Science classrooms were created and three existing rooms were completely refurbished.
The input of Emmanuel’s Science teachers was integral to the design of the new Science precinct. Staff members travelled to Melbourne and Geelong schools, accompanied by the College’s Architect and Assistant Principal, to see and appreciate some of the State’s best Science facilities including: Monash Arts and Science Secondary School, Scotch College and the Gene Technology Access Centre.
Several international longitudinal studies show a significant relationship between the quality of science facilities and student attitudes. Purpose-built, thoughtfully designed facilities positively impact the behaviour of students and academic performance.
With student outcomes foremost in considering the design of the precinct, the focus was on flexible and open workspaces, flexible furnishings, aesthetics, technology, air quality, acoustics and noise, natural lighting, and temperature control.
Emmanuel’s Head of Science, Suzie Wellens said that, “The visits to other facilities gave valuable insights into refurbishments and new builds that had carefully considered ways to engage students and facilitate teacher best practice. Integrating technology and providing flexible spaces and furnishings to best allow for collaborative work was given high priority.”
Flexibility was essential. “With the senior students relocating to McAuley Campus, the workspaces had to be very flexible, catering for a diverse range of year levels and subjects and this was very much reflected in the facilities we visited. We have moved away from the fixed benches with sinks, opting instead for large, versatile tables that can be used for prac work, desk work and collaborative projects. They can also be wheeled into any position within the space. Each room has two large interactive screens with touch screen ability so that different groups can share information or use apps at the same time. These can also be used, for example, with dissections to enable a close-up view for all students even if they are not themselves performing the dissection. Looking at how we were going to store and access equipment was also crucial,” said Suzie.
“From an aesthetic point of view” said Suzie, “We have large science-related designs on the walls, some really vibrant colours and lots of light. We are also planning some artwork for the interior walls that will highlight some of our high-achieving alumni in the sciences.”
Principal Peter Morgan said that the hope is the new Science precinct will, “help to excite an interest or passion in science - that the visual amenity engages the minds more in science. It is more exciting, more interesting, more contemporary, more vibrant. This is about more than attracting higher numbers of Science students - it’s about sparking a passion to pursue science. ”
According to Peter, Scientific literacy is a high priority for Emmanuel College. “The events of the past few years have really highlighted to the general public something that educators have always known – that Scientific literacy is so important. Students need to understand the world they live in and to be sceptical and questioning of claims made by non-experts about scientific matters. They need to be able to draw their own conclusions based on evidence-based facts and to make informed decisions about their own health and the health of the environment.”
It is widely documented that there is a shortage of Science and STEM teachers in Australia and Peter believes that the new facilities will assist the College with recruitment, saying, “Having excellent facilities certainly makes it easier to attract and retain the best teachers.”
Suzie Wellens applauds the Science teachers and technicians who had to plan a year without specialist facilities during the build. “They had to pack up and move twice and work from a building site container-style office. The staff have been amazing at ‘making do’ and adapting during 2021 and we are all very excited to be working in this new Science precinct that will see us teaching and learning in excellent facilities well into the future.”
