St Patrick's College Sutherland has welcomed its latest addition to the school - a biology 'super lab'.
The high school's latest building development, 'Alpha Crucis', is a game-changer for the teaching and learning of science and applied studies.
The innovative design is the result of a collaboration between teachers, school leadership, Sydney Catholic Schools and JDH Architects.
It includes three industry-standard kitchens for hospitality and food technology studies, two floors of contemporary learning spaces with breakout areas, multi-purpose areas and a textiles room.
Electric vehicle chargers are among the markers of the facilities' sustainability credentials.
The rainforest and woodlands ecosystems feature make use of the balcony space outside of the biology labs, creating opportunities for students to go outdoors to dissect flowers, measure abiotic features including soil pH (acidity or alkalinity), temperature, humidity and wind speed.
The labs' internal services are observable through design features, such as the clear perspex surrounds of the gas piping and electrical cabling.
This building also brings the promise of collaboration with pupils from nearby primary schools.
"Students take more ownership and pride in their learning if they know they will have to teach the concept to a younger student," Ms Ming said.
"COVID-19 has impacted this collaboration, but hopefully we can connect more with our feeder schools through the use of these labs."
College Principal Janine Kenney said the new facilities were first envisioned more than 20 years ago in one of four master plans for the St Patrick's site.
"These are state-of-the-art facilities, which will enhance the teaching and learning experiences of both staff and students," she said.
