New Centre for Innovation and Learning is a hit with students at Caroline Chisholm School

It is estimated that 75% of the fastest growing occupations require skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).  

The Caroline Chisholm School, Centre for Innovation and Learning is the first ACT Government Educational Facility built to deliver STEM education for students and teachers.

Paula Taylor from Caroline Chisholm School proudly hosted the ACT Chapter's second 2018 event, speaking to the group of the journey of discovery and awareness that brought to life this prestigious school.  Paula showcased the facilities features with a school tour as the group celebrated the collaboration and achievements of the ACT Government, ACT Educators and building industry in bringing such a innovative concept into reality.   

The Centre 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, small group and large showcase events areas. 

The Centre incorporates the latest electronic technologies to support educators in delivering STEM based curriculum, as well as developing student’s innovative and inquisitive ideas in order for them to reach their full potential:

• Writeable surfaces such as walls & tables
• Designated specialist teaching spaces such as areas for wet activities, movie-making and recording, art & crafts, performances, indoor/outdoor breakout spaces, and library and resource centres
• Flexible seating choices for students such as sitting on the floor, on a bean bag or couch, sitting with a group at a table or to be able to find a quiet, isolated spot

It is not uncommon for the CIL to receive many last minute “drop ins” as teachers and students often prefer this environment to their traditional classrooms.  For example, a maths teacher will bring his class to the CIL Friday afternoon if at all possible.  He claims that his students are far more productive and focussed in this relaxed environment.

 
Since opening, the Centre has been heavily utilised by the school, as well as by the wider Canberra Tuggeranong Network of schools for both student education and professional development for ACT Government educators.  

Collins Caddaye Architects were the design specialists briefed on the concepts of student centred learning in an innovative environment, where students are active participants in their learning whilst teachers adopt the role of facilitator.  Will Headland presented to the evening a thorough overview of the project, covering initial discussions, design brief, proof of concept stages and final designs leading to the completed build.

Mr Rodney Bray, Director of Infrastructure Capital Works for Education with the ACT Government addressed the meeting on the sustainable change initiatives forging ahead in the nation’s capital.  Rodney spoke of Margaret Hendry School as the next massive school project for the ACT Government, and also the commitment that going forward school services will be serviced by electricity and not gas.

Norva Nivel sponsored the event. The group found Norva Nivel's oblong designed wobble boards of particular interest in that it not only fitted the vision of the organisation but showed Norvanivel's thought process to bring health and wellbeing into an otherwise stationary environment.

The Centre has also won the Enrico Taglietti Educational Architecture Award at the 2018 ACT Architecture Awards, and was also shortlisted for the 2018 Master Builders Australia Excellence Awards under the Commercial Building less than $5M category.

Article: Judy Apps