St Charles College Science. There was much excitement this week, as the first practical was held in St Charles College new science building.

The state-of-the art laboratory will be used for biology, physics and also chemistry practical sessions. The laboratory can also accommodate multiple classes at any one time. The design of the laboratory is based on a university-style open plan model. This prepare St Charles College students well for the next phase of their education. The modern design can also accommodate approximately 84 students at fourteen benches. Each bench seats six students. It is equipped with two sinks at either end and a gas tap for each student. The sleek solid wood bench tops complete the design and also provide a practical work surface. There is a teacher demonstration bench in the front of the laboratory with a fume hood for more adventurous experiments.

The laboratory is also equipped with two safety showers and eye wash stations which will hopefully never be needed, but would be crucial in an emergency. Also included in the building are a physics and chemistry storeroom and prep area for preparation of chemicals for laboratory sessions. The new building can be accessed from a walkway outside the old science laboratories or a staircase starting outside the art room.

Sciences growing rapidly

The sciences have been rapidly growing at St Charles College over the past few years. Over seventy students taking physics and fourty taking chemistry in each of the Grades 10 to 12. The need for a new laboratory and more space became more critical when the College moved from offering Physical Science in Grade 10 to offering Physics and Chemistry as separate subjects, requiring more practicals. This change better aligns the College with international norms. These numbers are compounded when one considers that all students take physical science in Grades 8 and 9. It is also a goal of the College to offer these students more practical experience to ease the transition to Grade 10.

The laboratory is just the first stage of this significant project with two new lecture theatres being built underneath the laboratory. The lecture theatres can each accommodate 60 students. It will also provide a place for conferences, talks and combined classes. The lecture theatres are due for completion by the end of February 2023. – Dr Kate Akerman (Head of Science Faculty).