Science block upgrade comes at a cost

Melville High School students will return from their holiday to a refurbished science block and recreation centre.

The upgrade comes at the cost of other buildings that were used by performing arts and special needs students.

To secure Ministry of Education funding for work on the science block and recreation centre, "surplus" buildings had to be removed. Only those surplus buildings were being used.

Principal Clive Hamill said a large building that was utilised for performing arts was demolished. Another building for special needs students, which included a specially-fitted toilet and kitchen, was also removed. The school only has regular classroom space available to meet the specialist needs.

Mr Hamill said every school was "funded and resourced based on the number of students". As such, Melville was seen as being over-resourced in terms of buildings so some had to be sacrificed in order to gain approval for the recreation centre and science block upgrades.

The performing arts students will now use the school hall and the special needs students have been moved to other classrooms.

The science block now has three modern science labs with flexible work spaces, alongside refurbished offices and preparation areas for staff.

"Science is a particularly successful subject here," said Mr Hamill. "It's great to have the facilities to match the quality of teachers.

"The classrooms have the capacity to support all students in developing their scientific literacy, as well as empowering our aspiring 21st century scientists. The amenities provide quality, flexible learning and teaching spaces which are supported by excellent teacher work spaces and resource facilities."

Head of science at Melville, Sangita Achary said science was a strong subject at the school and former students had gone on to work in dentistry, ophthalmology, in labs and as science teachers.

The recreation centre had a new floor installed, external cladding replaced and a new roof.

A specialist student fitness centre beneath the school's Glenice Gallagher Library is due to open within the next month.

A $40,000 donation from John and Glenice Gallagher will be spent on a purpose-built facility to support students in developing their fitness and wellbeing. It will also support aspiring athletes.