Kooringal High School students Olivia Oakman and Sarah Wiggins use the laser cutting machine. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
Kooringal High School is set to undergo a $6 million facility upgrade as part of NSW’s gifted education program.
Under the State Government’s High Potential and Gifted Education Program, Kooringal High will see the refurbishment of science labs, arts and performance spaces, and the replacement of the school’s sports court.
Principal Helen Schmetzer said that while the school had done much in the high potential gifted program, the additional funding allowed it to take it to the next level.
“Kooringal High has been ahead of the curve for the last few years in high potential and gifted education,” Ms Schmetzer said.
“This funding certainly allows us to promote that at probably an even faster rate, just allowing the resources and the facilities to provide a setting for them to blossom, for the students to blossom.
“The sports courts certainly needed an upgrade, and for those students in that physical domain of high potential, that’s going to be a huge boost to them.
“We’ll be able to run PE lessons while it’s raining, because they’ll be kept in the shade and sheltered from the hot sun. So there will be many more opportunities for the use of those courts and a much better facility as well.”
Member for Wagga Dr Joe McGirr welcomed the $6 million investment.
“The important part of this program is that it provides some additional facilities and support for students who are excelling to make sure that they can achieve their goals,” Dr McGirr said.
“We want all our students to do their best, but it is important that when students have special abilities, we have a way of supporting them to achieve excellence in those areas.
“Talking to the students and staff, it’s clear they are a regional leader — possibly even statewide — in supporting their students, even before receiving this grant.”
Kooringal High’s design and technology facility has advanced 3D printing and laser cutting equipment, which gives students hands-on experience not normally available in universities.
Year 12 student Sarah Wiggins said the school’s design and technology room provided her with endless opportunities.
“You have an idea and there are multiple ways to bring it to life,” Sarah said.
“You can experiment with different approaches to create the best possible product.”
Sarah and Olivia used the laser cutting machine to cut out Dr Joe McGirr’s name during his visit to the school. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
Sarah said the upgrades, such as getting the laser printer, were essential for her work.
“The ability to prototype and test different designs has been crucial in figuring out what works best,” she said.
“Initially, I used 3D-printed plastics, but now I’ve also incorporated the CNC plasma cutter to produce metal versions, which improves durability.
“The laser cutter has also been invaluable for rapid prototyping.”
Year 10 student Olivia Oakman said working in design and technology was an “exciting” experience.
“In design and technology, the work is largely independent, so you get to choose what you want to do,” Olivia said.
“With access to machines, you have the chance to explore all sorts of options.
“I’ve been able to use the 3D printers, sheet press, and laser cutter, and hopefully, if I need to use other machines, I’ll have that opportunity too.
“As for the future, I’m still deciding, but I’ve always considered teaching, particularly STEM and science, to other kids.”
Relieving head teacher Austin Teakel said the school focused on sustainability and ethical use of materials.
“We’ve been able to set up a way for all of our machines to gather their waste and then repurpose it into meaningful designs for our students,” Mr Teakel said.
“This opens up a wide variety of design options for them, as well as implementing hands-on learning as they develop their ideas.”
Mr Teakel said the equipment was more about showing the students what the future held and making them think about what they could do for the future.
“It’s about learning about design and engineering principles and applying those in a regional area where many students don’t have access to these resources,” he said.
“You would have to travel to a metropolitan area to experience these learning outcomes … trying to help our high potential, gifted, and talented students excel in their educational aspirations.”
