‘To those who stay put, the world is but an imaginary place. But to the movers, the makers, and the shakers, the world is all around them. An endless invitation.’
Anonymous, Instagram 2014
It is well documented that we live in an increasingly complex, inter-connected, technological world. Successfully navigating this world today and into the future requires understanding the scientific, technological, engineering and mathematical principles that underpin it. Most importantly, we need blended mastery of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) with Arts and Humanities to create STEM literacy in all our students. To support this thinking in education it is important to upgrade the learning environment. Ruyton’s current building project is the new Margaret McRae Centre, at the heart of the School.
The focus of the new Margaret McRae Centre is to nurture curiosity, creativity, collaboration and problem solving. The Centre has been designed to meet the needs of girls specifically, inspiring them to engage with scientific discovery. Flexible learning spaces will promote active participation and collaboration with peers, teachers, mentors and researchers. The focus will be on imagination and problem finding, as well as problem solving. Girls will use the skills of creativity, curiosity and critical thinking.
“Scientific theory fires our imaginations and challenges our minds. Science opens doors to careers where you can make a real difference in the lives of others, something that motivates many young women in their career choice,” says Principal Linda Douglas. “The new Centre will enhance learning for Ruyton girls today and into the future.”
The new Margaret McRae Centre will continue to open onto Hiscock Court, the heart of the School and the space where many community events and traditions take place. Reinforcing the importance of this central hub, the new landscape design will provide greater accessibility to the surrounding buildings and existing café with a new outdoor performance space. In addition to state-of-the-art Science areas the new Centre will provide Drama spaces and community event facilities which will be located in the basement. An important component of this project has been the incorporation of Year 7 classrooms and flexible learning areas on ground level and Year 8 on level 1.
“As we prepare for the opening of the new Margaret McRae Centre we continue to investigate and develop STEM opportunities for girls and young women here at Ruyton. We will build on the strong programmes already in place from Prep to Year 12 and further support curiosity, creativity, collaboration, problem finding and problem solving experiences for all Ruyton girls.”