Science & Technology
Perth's New STEM Hub Lights Up St Andrews Grammar School
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Published in Science and Technology on Monday, December 15th 2025 at 23:42 GMT by Perth Now- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Perth’s New STEM Hub Lights Up St Andrews Grammar School in Dianella
On a bright Thursday morning, the doors of St Andrews Grammar School in the suburb of Dianella opened to reveal a gleaming, state‑of‑the‑art STEM hub that promises to put the school on the map for innovation and future‑ready learning. The $9 million facility—part of a broader Western Australian (WA) Government investment in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and digital skills—was officially inaugurated by a ribbon‑cutting ceremony attended by the school’s principal, local MPs, the WA Minister for Education and a host of industry partners.
The new hub, which occupies a renovated portion of the school’s modern campus, is designed to be a collaborative, hands‑on learning space for Years 9‑12, as well as a resource for the wider community. According to the school’s website, the centre houses a range of high‑tech equipment: 3‑D printers, laser cutters, programmable robotics kits, interactive coding workstations and a makerspace that encourages project‑based learning. Students can experiment with circuit boards in a dedicated electronics lab, prototype prototypes in a rapid‑prototyping corner, and work on data‑analysis projects using real‑world datasets.
“We’re incredibly proud to launch a facility that brings cutting‑edge technology into the classroom,” said Principal Dr Jasmine Patel at the ceremony. “STEM is not just about computers and robots; it’s about problem‑solving, creativity and critical thinking. This hub will give our students the tools to explore those skills and apply them to the challenges of the 21st century.”
Patel’s remarks echoed the ethos of the WA Department of Education, whose STEM strategy stresses “early exposure to STEM concepts, the integration of interdisciplinary learning, and collaboration with industry.” The department’s website outlines a multi‑year plan to boost student engagement in STEM, noting that new facilities like the one at St Andrews Grammar School will play a key role in meeting state targets for STEM participation. The hub also aligns with the national curriculum reforms that emphasize computational thinking, design thinking and inquiry‑based learning.
Funding for the hub came from a combination of sources. The WA Government allocated $7 million through its “Digital Futures” grant, while the school community contributed the remaining $2 million via fundraising, donations from alumni and a local business partnership. The project was overseen by the school’s facilities committee, with design input from the Department of Education’s STEM specialists. According to the council’s planning documents (linked in the original article), the $9 million budget covered not only construction and equipment but also professional development for teachers, who will receive training in new technologies and pedagogies.
In addition to its educational purpose, the hub will serve as a community outreach venue. The school has partnered with several local industry players—including a robotics start‑up based in Perth and a tech consultancy—to run after‑school workshops, mentoring programmes and industry visits. This collaboration is designed to give students real‑world exposure and to foster pathways into STEM careers. The school’s “Future Leaders” program, highlighted on its website, will now incorporate mentorship from these partners.
The opening ceremony was a colourful affair. A local MP, the Minister for Education, and a few school staff members cut a ceremonial ribbon. The Minister spoke about the importance of investing in STEM education and how facilities like the new hub will help the region stay competitive in a global economy that increasingly relies on digital skills. He also announced a pilot program where teachers from other schools in the region will be invited to observe and train at St Andrews’ STEM hub.
Students were enthusiastic about the new space. “It feels like something out of a sci‑fi movie,” said senior Year 12 student Alex Ng. “I can’t wait to start building my own robots and maybe even design a game. The best part is that I’ll have real mentors from industry who can guide me.”
The hub’s design also reflects a commitment to sustainability. According to the school’s sustainability page, the building incorporates solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and an energy‑efficient HVAC system. The 3‑D printers, for instance, use recycled filament where possible, and the robotics kits are built from eco‑friendly materials.
While the primary focus of the hub is on STEM, the school’s broader educational philosophy is also highlighted in the article’s links. St Andrews Grammar School’s website details a holistic approach that balances rigorous academics with well‑being, arts, and sports. The new STEM hub is presented as a natural extension of this philosophy, providing students with a well‑rounded education that prepares them for both university and industry.
Looking forward, the school plans to host an annual “STEM Expo” at the hub, inviting students from across WA to showcase their projects. The event will be open to the public, offering parents and community members a chance to see firsthand how technology can be integrated into everyday learning.
In conclusion, the $9 million STEM hub at St Andrews Grammar School represents more than just a new building—it’s a testament to Perth’s commitment to future‑proof education. By merging cutting‑edge technology with industry partnerships and a student‑centred learning environment, the hub is poised to inspire a generation of innovators ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges. The investment not only enhances the school’s capacity to deliver high‑quality STEM education but also strengthens the community’s link to the rapidly evolving digital economy.
Read the Full Perth Now Article at:
[ https://www.perthnow.com.au/wa/perth/central/cutting-edge-9million-stem-hub-officially-opens-at-st-andrews-grammar-school-in-dianella-c-20978608 ]
