SACKVILLE, N.B. — Students and teachers at Tantramar Regional High will now have access to a more modern and innovative learning space, thanks to a significant funding boost that was awarded to the school this year.
The Sackville high school received $18,000 after winning the first annual Atlantic Innovative Educator Award this past June at the Atlantic Education Summit in Moncton.
Teacher Matt Wheaton said the funds will be used to convert an old, unused classroom – mainly used for storage space in the past few years – into a personalized learning centre. He said a group of students who expressed interest in using the room came up with a vision for the space and he presented the ideas to a panel at the summit in June.
“We’ve got some big dreams and some big plans for this space,” he said during a recent reveal of the new technology and furniture the school has since acquired with the funds.
Comprised of $10,000 worth of technology and $8,000 worth of classroom furniture, the new equipment includes a 3-D printer and maker space, a set of virtual reality headsets, a laminator, a charging stand, a touchscreen TV, and modern seating areas. The award is funded through Staples Business Advantage Canada.
“I look forward to all of the innovative things that are going to happen here,” said Wheaton.
He said experiential learning is a great way to prepare students for today’s technology-oriented world. And he pointed out some students simply learn better through a hands-on, interactive approach.
“We want students to be able to choose how they want to learn,” he said.
