29 Oct 2020
Congratulations to Bonython Primary School’s STEM Specialist Teacher (K-6), Mrs Sarah Fletcher, who has received the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools, at the 2020 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science.
The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science are Australia’s most prestigious awards for outstanding achievements in scientific research, research-based innovation, and excellence in science teaching.
Sarah is renowned for her innovative and imaginative teaching practices, she incorporates memorable and exciting real-world experiences into her lessons, regularly inviting working scientists and experts in their fields into her classroom to share their knowledge.
Sarah’s personal teaching philosophy, that real learning can only happen when students form an emotional attachment to what is being taught, informs the great work she does in ACT schools each day.
Mrs Fletcher is being recognised for her outstanding contribution to not only the STEM program at Bonython Primary School, but also the wider education community in the ACT.
Beyond the classroom, Mrs Fletcher has been instrumental in the evolution of STEM teaching in the ACT. She has been a member of the Science Educators’ Association of the Australian Capital Territory (SEAACT) council for 15 years, leading professional learning sessions for Primary Science Education, including the annual Primary Science Teachers Workshop. She also leads the Australian National University’s Science Enrichment Event, to promote science in the Tuggeranong region.
She encourages her students to take their learning outside of the classroom too, by encouraging entries in Origin Energy’s Big Little Idea initiative, the Science Educators’ Association of the Australian Capital Territory’s (SEAACT) Science Fair.
Sarah is passionate about building the confidence and capacity of her students, to ensure that every child views themselves as a scientist capable of analysing and solving problems.