The money was allocated to the school through the Rudd Government’s $2 billion ‘Building Better Schools’ program based on the number of students and the type of facilities at the school.

The refurbishment has proved beneficial for the students’ education with head science teacher Tonya Wilkins watching improvements of her students increase each lesson.

“We have more flexibility now,” Ms Wilkins said.

“The old rooms were very noisy with the hard floors and ceilings, so it was hard to communicate with the students.

“Now the ceilings have been replaced as well as new carpet so it is much quieter in here.”

The new benches to conduct experiments on have been placed strategically in the room for increased access to projects.

“When we did practical lessons the kids had their backs to us and because of the old benches and it was hard to demonstrate anything to them,” Ms Wilkins said.

“Now we can see what all of them are doing and the kids can all get into it.

“Half of the benches are removable too so we can use them for other things as well.”

A broken fume cupboard was also replaced during the upgrade.

“We now have a working double-sided fume cupboard,” Ms Wilkins said.

“We couldn’t really use it before but now our preparation assistant can use the cupboard during lessons instead of having to wait until the lesson is over.

“Also in our large classes we can let the students watch the cupboard from two sides so everyone can see.”

The students’ attitude towards science lessons have also changed since the upgrade.

“They have been appreciating the new room and are more excited to use it,” Ms Wilkins said.

Fixtures including a safety shower and eyewash were installed, as well as new furniture, communications cabling and floor, wall and ceiling finishes.

“Special non-slip flooring was laid because the last one was very slippery when it got wet,” Ms Wilkins said.

“We also have new emergency stop buttons for gas and electricity in case of an accident.”

All of the students agreed the new room would help them to learn more about science.

“The benches are better than the old ones,” Brayden Bell said.

“We have proper benches and more workspace,” fellow student Jessica Young said.

“It’s easier to work in groups,” Jason May added.