The Gap State High School Celebrates New Cutting-Edge STEM Building

The Gap State High School is celebrating the completion and opening of its new cutting-edge STEM Building, which houses seven classrooms, four science laboratories, two robotics labs, three flexible learning areas, amenities, staff rooms and associated spaces.

On 19 June 2019, Labor MP for Cooper, Kate Jones officially opened the three-storey STEM structure to cater to Years 10 to 12 and junior classes taking STEM subjects.

Photo Credit: The State of Queensland (Department of Education) 2019 /education.qld.gov.au

The construction of the $10.7-million STEM building was made possible through the State Government’s 2020 Ready Program — which targets to deliver additional school infrastructure at 61 schools across the state.

Photo Credit: Wiley / wiley.com.au

Apart from providing state-of-the-art learning spaces, the new building will also ensure that TGSHS will have enough classrooms to accommodate its growing enrollment, which is expected to grow to about 1,770 in 2020 from this year’s 1,550 students.

Photo Credit: Wiley / wiley.com.au

In 2002, The Gap State High School’s Leadership Training Centre was opened which features 22 adventure courses such as indoor rock climbing. The school also has a state-of-the-art performance hall which has a seating capacity of 750, an auditorium that can accommodate up to 15 students, rehearsal rooms, practice rooms, and storage areas.

Photo Credit: The State of Queensland (Department of Education) 2019 / thegapshs.eq.edu.au

The school’s sporting facilities, on the other hand, boasts of four basketball courts, turf cricket pitch, a concrete cricket pitch, and two full size soccer fields.

The Gap State High School opened its new $5-million sports hall in 2014, which is one of the largest indoor school sporting facilities and features 4 volleyball courts, storerooms, mezzanine level for weights, cardio rooms, and a large spectator area.

Other school facilities include an independent learning centre; film and television editing suites; industrial technology facility; and a trade training centre for electrotechnology, renewable energy and engineering.



STEM Building at The Gap State School to Rise in 2019

The Gap State High School is set to open a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) building that will enhance the skills of its students.

The building is set to open in 2019, a perfect time as the new Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) system will be launched that same year.

Students will be given better resources and materials to investigate on real-world issues and challenges that surround them. With a building dedicated to STEM itself, The Gap SHS will see better-equipped students with the knowledge and skills that will shape a bright future.

The $10-million building will have seven classrooms, four science laboratories, and three learning areas. School principal, Anne McLaughlan is very happy with the news. Ms McLaughlan is thrilled that they will be able to accommodate more students and help with the growing community.

The building will also provide access to world-class science and robotic labs, giving students more chance to dive deeper into the mysteries of the sciences. Senior students will greatly benefit from these new facilities.

STEM lets students make a positive impact in the world through innovation and creativity. Many of the faster growing jobs and industries today need STEM expertise. This field utilises and develops critical thinking and reasoning to solve problems.

The course is offered to Years 9 and 10 students at the school and they can choose the course as a specialist elective.