The science faculty at Kirrawee High School received a well-deserved boost recently when science head teacher Brett McKay was named as recipient of the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools. The honour comes with $50,000 prize money, funding that McKay says has enabled him to purchase more “toys” that help students appreciate the wide world of science.

The funds are also being used to develop a flexible physics learning space at the school, a facility that will provide inspiration to try new things and technology that will enable students to investigate and develop their own knowledge.

These new initiatives will continue to build on Kirrawee High’s reputation as a science powerhouse school.

McKay says students choose to study science when they see it as relevant, exciting, challenging and supported. Having a great team of teachers who are passionate about the subject builds up confidence for students, and offering activities that challenge them to question their beliefs and ideas makes students want to learn more.

“When you show students successful role models, it makes them realise, ‘hey I could do this, I don’t have to be the best or the brightest’,” McKay says.