Sep 20 2007
A Victorian Secondary School teacher, Mrs Francesca Calati, was awarded the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools at a gala function at Parliament House yesterday.
The Prizes were presented by the Prime Minister, the Honourable John Howard, and the Minister for Education, Science and Training the Hon Julie Bishop MP.
In awarding the Education Prizes, Minister Bishop praised the teachers for their role in invigorating science teaching and learning, leading to high student interest and achievement. “Participation in chemistry at St Helena Secondary College in Melbourne has tripled following Mrs Calati’s introduction of an innovative combination of chemistry and nanotechnology. She also encourages students to critically assess various applications of science in our society,” said Minister Bishop.
To view details of the Award please click here.
Francesca received the award on the basis of the nanotechnology curriculum she has developed with a team of teachers from St Helena Secondary College in Eltham over the last two years. She is an outstanding teacher and has been a tireless leader of the curriculum development. The Victorian Government, through the Department of Education and the Department of Innovation, Industry, and Regional Development, provided strong support to the team, as did St Helena Secondary College (via successive principles Rob Lamb and Trudy Thomson) and the Parents’ Association.
Francesca is the first Victorian secondary teacher to win the PM’s Award. Several months ago the St Helena team led by Francesca also won the Curriculum Innovation Award as part of the Victorian Education Excellence Awards announced in May.
Development of the Nanotechnology Curriculum at St Helena has been supported by many groups and individuals, including Dr Kristin Alford of Bridge8, Dr John Fecondo at RMIT University, Professor Paul Pigram at La Trobe University, and many of the Nanotechnology Victoria team. CEO of Nanotechnology Victoria, Dr Peter Binks commented: “Francesca has been a real leader of this activity and of nanotechnology education in Australia. This Award is fitting recognition for her and her team, and is also a recognition of the role nanotechnology can play in inspiring a new generation of young scientists”.
20th September 2007