Queanbeyan High School food technology teacher Christine Cameron said improvements to the kitchen would help students' learning. Photo: Kim Pham.
QUEANBEYAN High School hopes it may be the next in line to receive a $20,000 grant from the Public School Upgrade Program.
The high school is one of six local public schools applying in round three of the grants scheme.
Principal John Clark said they are looking to renovate their two kitchens to get them to a commercial standard for use by food technology and hospitality classes.
"We need a new fit-out because the cupboards are passed their used-by date and need to be updated," he said.
"If we got the grant it would mean we've got a new kitchen and part of it would include upgrading the water service into the kitchen. It would make it a much more effective and efficient way of teaching in the classroom."
The two kitchens currently have 12 work spaces with stoves and appliances include a commercial coffee machine, two domestic and one commercial fridge.
Mr Clark estimated the last time the kitchen may have been renovated could have been in the 1970s.
"Many meals have been cooked in that time," he said.
Food technology teacher Christine Cameron has plenty of experience in the school's kitchen having taught there for 11 years.
She said a kitchen renovation including a installing a larger dishwasher and stainless benches would boost the student's learning.
"The kitchen is dated, we just want to bring it up to commercial and industry standard. At the moment, it's at domestic standard," she said.
"Food technology is still a popular subject, students really relate to it. Kids just still love cooking. For many they don't see it as a career but a lifelong skill.
"It would be lovely to work in an updated, new environment."
One of the local schools to have seen the benefit of the grants is Queanbeyan South Public School which was successful in round one.
Principal Genevieve Jackson said they required the library roof to be replaced and the administration block re-configured.
"It's been amazing [the upgrades], the library roof had to be done, water was actually leaking in and destroying the books, carpet and computers," she said.
"We're thrilled with the administration block, logistically it's much easier to navigate. It's more aesthetically pleasing and a nicer area for student, staff and parents."
Applications close midnight on Friday, April 12.