Science and maths boost for schools

20 July 2009

Melbourne: Four Australian teachers have been the first international participants at an advanced training program in the United States of America that helps teachers ignite a love of maths and science in their students.

The teachers from Melbourne’s west and Gippsland - Chris Wenzlau from Seaholme Primary School, Joanne Jackson from Altona North Primary School and Sally Howell and Evelyn McAdam from Longford Primary School - have recently returned from the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy in Houston, Texas.  The teachers were chosen from schools close to ExxonMobil’s Australian operations.

The Academy, which provides an intensive week–long training program, was established by ExxonMobil with professional golfer Phil Mickelson and his wife Amy, to advance maths and science education.  The Academy classes are run by two of America’s leading teacher training organisations, the National Teachers Association and Math Solutions.

The training focussed on the 5E (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate and Evaluate) approach to teaching maths and science.  Chris Wenzlau, Grade 5 teacher and maths coordinator at Seaholme Primary School, said the training was all about getting students involved and excited about maths and science.  Every lesson at the Academy was accompanied by a hands-on exercise, science experiments and maths games.  “The Academy was the most professionally organised and in-depth training program that I have attended and it has given me new activities and ideas to help me deliver the maths and science curriculum in my classroom,” said Chris. 

The involvement of the Australian teachers at the Academy was made possible by financial support from ExxonMobil Australia.  The teachers were awarded the ExxonMobil Bright Future Education Award to cover the Academy travel, accommodation and tuition costs.

“Working for a company that employs 14,000 engineers and scientist, I recognise the importance of encouraging children’s interest in maths and science,” said John Dashwood, Chairman ExxonMobil Australia.  “We hope the Academy training will equip teachers with innovative and best practice methods for getting primary school children excited about maths and science,” he said.

David Moss, Seaholme Primary School Principal, emphasised that one of the best drivers of student success is the quality of the classroom teacher and the spark of encouragement they can provide.  “The development of advanced teaching skills and tools to promote maths and science in the classroom is very important, particularly as the number of young people interested in these fields has been declining,” he said.

Media enquiries: Lisa Trood (03) 9270 3440