Accra, Nov. 22, GNA - The 1963 year group of Achimota School has cut the sod to commence work on the upgrading of the School’s science block into a science complex.

Dr Joyce Aryee, President of the Year Group, said the physical facilities at the Block are unable to cope with the large student population while dwindling support from government and fees from parents are no longer sufficient to maintain the school.

“Hence, the imperative for the alumni, friends and well-wishers to come to play a significant role in helping to create an optimal environment for teaching and learning,” she said.

Dr Aryee who did the ground breaking ceremony, said as part of the 50th anniversary celebration in 2013, the Year group had chosen the upgrade of the Science block as a contribution to make the school contemporary and globally competitive.

She said the Year Group was of the view that the advanced science complex would contribute to the strengthening of the teaching and learning of science on the theme: “Moving Science Education in Achimota School to the Next Level.”

“Toward that end we have undertaken to develop an Advanced Science Complex (ASC) to support the teaching and learning of science at the school. Specifically, the existing Science Block at the School is to be transformed into a modern facility that will serve the needs of the School, now and in the foreseeable future.”

The development of the ASC, as envisioned by the Year Group, involves two major components: The formulation of a Science Complex Blueprint that will provide a Vision of what an appropriate modern science facility ought to entail.

The constituent parts or Science Complex Modules are the building blocks that form the Advanced Science Complex. Each Module is expected to be a relatively independent usable part of the ASC.

This approach will enable the realisation of the ASC in an orderly manner over a period of time. At each stage, contributors are encouraged and guided to select what Module(s) they may be in a position to implement, consistent with the overall vision of the Complex.

The group has undertaken a detailed analysis of the rehabilitation of the entire science complex. Out of this detailed programme, it is undertaking the rehabilitation of the basic infrastructure of the existing Science Block and the transformation of the Science Theatre into a modern audio-visual centre equipped with video projection system, public address system and video conferencing system, among other facilities.

Mrs Kate Aidoo, Assistant Headmistress, expressed the school’s appreciation to the year group and said the assistance would go a long way to enhance academic performance in the academic entity.