Making science fun and accessible
This year’s winner of the Prime Minister’s Te Puiaki Kaiwhakaako Pūtaiao Science Teacher prize, Doug Walker, has a passion for making science more accessible and appealing – at a school, regional and national level.
Doug Walker’s passion for science is obvious – it’s an electric enthusiasm he has passed onto his students at St Patrick’s College in Wellington. But he gives credit to a team effort from other talented science teachers and key partnerships for the success.
As head of science at St Patrick’s for the past 11 years, Doug’s work connecting science teachers in Wellington has led him to the role of president of the New Zealand Association of Science Educators, which provides professional development to science teachers.
His achievements include introducing a senior science programme that enables more students to achieve University Entrance and bolstering science resources at his school, and developing and sharing science learnings widely online.
Getting out of the classroom to see science at work has been a key way for Doug to motivate students, such as trips to Wellington Zoo.
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