A state-of-the-art marine studies laboratory has opened at Lake Macquarie High School, introducing students to career options closely allied to the lake itself.

The purpose-built facility is part of a $6 million Inspire – High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) infrastructure upgrade at the school and includes a custom-designed wave tank to support practical learning in wave motion and marine ecology.

The new laboratory is one of 33 major infrastructure projects being delivered at high schools across the state as part of the program that delivers facility upgrades to support talent development and extension opportunities across specialist learning spaces.

The Lake Macquarie High School works include a new shade structure and upgrades to Food Technology, Hospitality, woodwork, Technological and Applied Studies, and Visual Arts facilities.

A large-scale satellite map will allow Lake Macquarie High School students to track environmental projects in the local area, while a marine studies workshop will centralise storage of aquatic equipment such as stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, drones, and submersibles for use by students at the high school and nearby primary schools.

The new facilities also support community involvement, including an artist-in-residence partnership with ‘Yapang’, the Lake Macquarie Museum of Art and Culture, and Marine Studies students collaborating on projects with the nearby Empire Marina.

Further works, including improvements to the school’s recording studio, front-of-school precinct and disability access throughout key areas will be completed midway through 2026.

All public schools in NSW now embed Inspire - HPGE in their teaching and learning practices, along with co-curricular activities.

Teaching staff receive targeted professional learning to support the delivery of Inspire - HPGE implementation, ensuring strengthened extension opportunities, while schools publish Inspire - HPGE offerings on their websites for parents and carers to better understand what is available.

Principal Brendan Maher said with the new facilities, students could fully engage in hands-on learning about industries and business vital to the local region.

“They also enable us to immerse students in the local environment, applying a cultural lens by incorporating the Awabakal seasonal calendar into their studies,” Mr Maher said.

“These upgrades will empower staff to better deliver high potential and gifted education by providing the resources needed to extend and accelerate student learning.”