COBDEN Technical School students are at last benefiting from the new science wing completed just in time for the 2012 school year.
The expected completion date was significantly prolonged with construction in progress for two years.
Assistant principal and chemistry teacher Michael Smart said while there were still some finer details to attend to, the building was in operation.
“We’re glad to finally start using this great facility,” Mr Smart said.
The building lives up to its scientific reputation with a number of climate smart and sustainable features.
Mr Smart said there were several clever features planned for the building, with some already in operation.
“Our weather wall has an interactive screen that allows students to monitor things like the water storage which uses rainwater to flush the toilets.
“There are three sensors in the building which detect CO2 levels in the building. When CO2 levels reach a certain point children get drowsy, so when the levels get too high the sensors will open the electronic louvres to allow for airflow.”
Mr Smart said the wing had full temperature control.
“The louvres can be prompted to open and close depending on temperatures and the air con’ or heater will automatically turn on.
“Also, depending on which way the wind is blowing, one side of the building’s louvres will close to avoid dust coming in,” he said.
Mr Smart said there had been an increase in the number of “dry lab’s” and an emphasis on team teaching to allow classes to work more efficiently.
“Instead of having gas and water in every room, there are now only two lab’s with those and the rest are dry lab’s.
“This means we can move the students around depending on what they are learning at the time, and we can be more involved in team teaching,” he said.
Mr Smart said there were plans to further improve the building to make all spaces fully functional.
“We’re looking at developing the outside area into an open classroom and to install an aquatic study area.
“Projectors are still to be installed,” he said.
A weather station on the roof, teacher offices and amenities such as toilets are also part of the new wing.