Oct2013_Samford Steiner School Opens New Science Facility

Students at Samford Valley Steiner School can now enjoy learning science in a brand new state of the art science facility which combines elegant aesthetic architecture and functionality.

The new facility, which was five years in the planning, was officially opened on Saturday 17 August when Architect Paolo Denti of pentArchi ceremoniously handed the keys to Tracey Puckeridge, CEO of Steiner Education Australia (SEA) who unlocked the doors. 

According to Mr Denti, there were many design challenges along the way, not least in creating a large outdoor wooden chess set which was an added feature. Mr Denti spoke of his desire to meet the “soul of the students” and create the best possible learning environment.  He acknowledged the “dedication and high workmanship” of contractors, Metcalfe Construction, which meant the project was finished “on time and in budget.”

The science facility consists of a  ‘wet lab’ lab for teaching chemistry and life sciences, and a ‘dry lab’ with tiered seating designed so that students are visually engaged in the lessons in a three dimensional way. There is also a spacious preparation area which has specialised storage space for equipment and chemicals. 

Invited guest Mr Dale Shuttleworth, State Member for Ferny Grove, stated how good it was to see a very practical, but still aesthetic building, and hoped the facility would turn out fantastic scientists for Queensland.

Those attending the opening, including delegates from Steiner schools around Australia, saw the labs in action as year 10 and 11 students conducted two experiments taken from recent lessons. High School Administrator, Peter Glasby said that science taught at the school is based on both “quantitative and qualitative experiences” which are valued and digested – often overnight– before the steps of ascertaining their meaning and connection to the rest of the world takes place by extending the thinking of students based on their own experiences. 

The advent of the new building also means improved facilities for teaching hard craft which will move into the old science shed, and, as a knock on effect, the present hard craft shed will be used for the installation of a kiln for ceramic work.