Awarded to a teacher or educator who demonstrates excellence in a field of STEM education in schools (primary, secondary, and/or vocational education in a school setting), and who has made outstanding contributions to enhancing student engagement in STEM.
Now in its 23rd year, the Premier's Science Awards recognises and celebrates the outstanding scientific research and engagement taking place in Western Australia.
This year, 5 finalists have been selected for the inaugural Science Educator of the Year (Schools) category:
Nathan Curnow
John Curtin College of the Arts
As Head of Science at John Curtin College of the Arts, an ‘Arts school’, Nathan navigates intersections between science and creativity. Like Einstein with his violin or Fleming’s Chelsea Art Club connections, he recognises that breakthroughs occur when we transcend traditional boundaries.
Nathan is passionate about radical excellence in science education. He focuses relentlessly on student growth, progress, and achievement to ensure they reach their full potential.
Nathan nurtures connected, imaginative scientists, cultivating individuals who explore what is possible and who take creative risks. He also works tirelessly as a leader in science education at different scales to make impact.
Annabel Kanakis
Bunbury Catholic College
Annabel Kanakis teaches science and STEM at Bunbury Catholic College. She achieves excellence in teaching science using a suite of pedagogies that enable a range of students to successfully understand and apply concepts to real-world examples and problem solving.
Annabel’s students consistently achieve excellent results in subjects that she teaches, as well as competitions that they participate in. She promotes STEM for all students through Bunbury Catholic College’s weekly notices, the Science Cafe and she has developed the STEMXX Sisters program for girls. She is widely recognised through contributions to teacher conferences and as a volunteer for the Science Teachers’ Association of Western Australia.
Dr Roslyn London
Balga Senior High School
Dr Roslyn London is currently the STEM co-ordinator, science and lead STEM teacher at Balga Senior High School. She is a passionate advocate for STEM and a role model with a similar background (disrupted and minimal formal education and English as a second language) as lots of Balga Senior High School students.
Dr London’s goal is to inspire, support and empower the next generation to achieve their full potential in STEM fields and beyond. Working collaboratively with Balga Senior High School staff she aims to provide students with rich experiences so they can develop knowledge and understanding to become lifelong learners.
Larissa Waghorn
South Thornlie Primary School
Larissa Waghorn is a passionate, committed Science Specialist at South Thornlie Primary School. She has had a significant impact on the students at her school through her science programs and the 2 Robotics Clubs that she runs after school.
Increasing teacher knowledge is vitally important and Larissa has worked closely with staff, both at her own school and others. She has shown strong leadership skills in her collaborations with Science Teacher Networks and the Gosnells Robotics Clubs networks in the development of Assessment tools for Science Inquiry Skills and Future Ready Skills to be used in schools throughout Western Australia.
Stephen Warwick
Ashdale Secondary College
Stephen Warwick has been a Design and Technology teacher since 2018, concurrently serving as the STEM Coordinator Secondary at Ashdale Secondary College since 2020. He has emphasised industry relevance in STEM education, led Engineering coordination, and pioneered Mechatronics and Engineering pathways.
Stephen has been instrumental in working with industry to inspire students in STEM. He developed the College’s ATAR and General Engineering Studies pathways, supports STEM teaching state-wide and nationally, and plays a crucial role in advancing STEM and robotics in Western Australia. He proudly spearheaded the introduction of FIRST robotics at Ashdale Secondary College, demonstrating a commitment to innovative STEM teaching practices.
