The College Foundation is very pleased to announce its support for the STEM project by providing the necessary funding so this innovative educational development can proceed. This facility will place the College at the forefront of current education thinking. I will let Mr John Weeks, the Headmaster, explain the nature and educational significance of this project.
Firstly I would like to comment on a number of curriculum areas where the College has a history of educational innovation including Computing (with the first ‘Classic’ Interactive Classroom Computer of any secondary school in 1975 offering Basic and Fortran programming, AND, offering staff from other schools a course in Principles and Practice financed by the Department of Education); the teaching of Asian languages (1970); the testing of Years 7, 9 and 11 students, beginning in 1976, giving similar information to current Naplan results, and, in 1978 a staff-designed Life Skills course ( similar content mandated in the current PD/H/PE course), – these were all part of the College curriculum in the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s I also note here, the suggested changes to the NSW curriculum in a current report to Government by Professor Geoff Masters where once again Life Skills features in his report.
The Foundation was established in 1979 and, due to the generous donations from many Alumni, parents and corporations, a capital fund was built up. Subsequent prudent investments meant that, when approached by Mr Weeks, the Directors voted unanimously to provide the necessary finance for this innovative development to proceed. Since its inception the Foundation has supported students as well as the construction and upgrading of many of the College’s educational facilities, and regard this project as its most significant financial contribution to the College. (The Foundation’s past contributions can be found on the College web site). I should emphasise that the Foundation has always been about the FUTURE, by providing students and staff with the facilities to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to be able to participate in a positive and meaningful way to Australian and Global society.
It is therefore with great pleasure on behalf of the Foundation Directors that I am able to present this cheque to the Headmaster for the construction of the STEM Centre.
Mr Bruce Clydsdale, College Foundation President
Find out more about the College Foundation
