Following a very unusual 12 months of schooling, it’s currently more important than ever to celebrate the hard work and dedication of school staff, from teachers to technicians to all support staff. We continue to be grateful for all of the work you do.
With that in mind, the application process for the Gratnells Science Technician of the Year (STOTY) Award 2021 will open on 5th July 2021. Similar to last year, we’re opening the competition to teams of technicians, as well as continuing to present awards to science technicians in both the UK and internationally. The initial application process requires submission of just three photographs highlighting your daily life as a technician. While we appreciate this might have changed a little over the past year, this can be anything from prep room pictures, activity photos or selfies of you and the team. We want to see what you’ve been up to!
As always, we invite technicians to nominate themselves, a colleague or their team of technicians for consideration. We will be accepting applications throughout the summer break and into the new school term, allowing technicians ample time to gather their photos and get them across to us before the deadline on 1st October 2021.
For more information about the competition timeline and how and when to enter, please visit the website.
In 2020, the International Science Technician of the Year award was presented to Olivia Frost of Caloundra State High School in Caloundra, Australia. She inspires and develops students through close interaction with them. She also trains student teachers and is skilled at managing experienced teachers. She does a huge amount to go above and beyond her day-to-day role and makes a real difference through the technicians network she has established.
In the UK, the Science Technician of the Year 2020 was awarded to Stacey Wheeler of Mounts Bay Academy in Cornwall. A science technician for 11 years, she supports a department of 11 teachers and six labs, as well as offering training and support to other schools in her network. She also runs regular additional clubs for students to allow them to experience things they wouldn’t usually get to in lessons including CREST club, a weekly science club, a gardening and polytunnel club and offers regular open-door support meet-ups.
The 2020 runner up was Irene Gomes of Greig City Academy in London. She offers excellent support for cross curricular access to science and STEM, as well as obtaining funding to support these clubs.
The third-place winner for 2020 was Karen Giles of Aylesbury Grammar School in Buckinghamshire. She has spent 16 years as a science technician and enjoys trying, testing and developing new things.
Receiving special recognition in 2020 was Grainne McAdam of Caister Academy in Great Yarmouth. During her 9 years as a science technician, she has worked to build a technician network and plans to launch a science club and pursue funding in the future.
Patricio Vasquez-Aguilar and Sarah Linkman of Liverpool Life Sciences UTC were awarded our first team award in 2020. They actively help students to improve lab skills across all subjects and support BTEC, GSCE and A-Level in a very technical lab environment. Together they share expertise, equipment and sometimes train one another in different techniques.
Article Submitted By:
Anthony Byrne
Gratnells Ltd
United Kingdom
