Year 11 students from the Illawarra and Shoalhaven were awarded a Victor Chang School Science Award for their passion and outstanding achievements in the field of science at Figtree High School on Thursday.
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Nominated by their teachers, these 36 bright students were acknowledged for their tenacity and commitment in the classroom, despite a nationwide decline of participation in school science.
Enrolments in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects are currently at the lowest level in over two decades.
Named after the late cardiac surgeon and pioneer of modern heart transplantation, the Victor Chang School Science Awards were established to celebrate young, gifted students and to foster growth in scientific studies.
Now in its 13th year, the awards also encourage the next generation of scientists to pursue a career in medical research.
According to Dr Joshua Ho from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, nurturing the future of Australian research is vital.
“Australia has such a proud science history, and through acknowledging these young students we’re giving the next generation of scientists the opportunity to see how research can directly touch people’s everyday lives,” he said.
“As a scientist, not only are you contributing to building knowledge, but you are constantly solving problems and seizing opportunities while improving the wellbeing of society,” Dr Ho explained.”
The winners from Wollongong schools will join more than 200 students from across NSW on a tour of the Victor Chang Institute, and have the opportunity to learn firsthand from world-renowned scientists.
Kiama High School – Nathan Cowgill
Nathan is a high achieving student currently studying Chemistry and Physics . He attained first position in these subjects in the Preliminary Course.
His academic record across all subjects is outstanding. He demonstrates an exemplary work ethic, both in the classroom with theory and practical experiments, and with his homework, research and study.
Nathan‘s passion for learning is demonstrated by his high achievement in all subjects since Year 7, which has placed him as a top student in his cohort. He has an analytical mind which he uses to great effect, solving scientific problems with ease.
Nathan is an outstanding student who is a worthy recipient of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Science Award for 2017.
Bomaderry High School – Isabella James-Corsaro
Isabella is a high achieving student, athlete and leader. She has been a conscientious science student in junior years setting her up for her current successes in year 11. She has completed Preliminary Biology and Chemistry in year 11 and has received the highest marks in these senior courses. Isabella was Bomaderry High Schools' highest academically achieving Science student in year 10.Isabella shows great aptitude in the sciences and is considering a career in the scientific field.
Vincentia High School – Cooper Solberg
Cooper is an outstanding and committed citizen of the school who is achieving outcomes to a high standard across three Science disciplines Biology, Chemistry and Physics. He has ranked first in Biology and in the top three in Physics and Chemistry this year. He works cooperatively with both his teachers and classroom colleagues, often assisting others who may be struggling. Cooper has aspirations to study Biology at the University of Wollongong.
Shoalhaven High School – Felicity Henry
Felicity Henry is an outstanding student who has worked toward excellence in all of her school subjects. Felicity has excelled in the subjects of Chemistry and Biology ranking first in Biology. She always undertakes her studies with a quiet, yet confident approach. She assists her peers and volunteers whenever necessary. This has helped her gain respect from both her teachers and peers. She has an ambition to work in the health sector and her friendly demeanour and outstanding work ethic will see her be an excellent candidate in this field.
Nowra High School – Liam Urquhart
Liam is an organised and enthusiastic student who engages well with staff and his fellow students. His motivated approach has seen Liam achieve a final ranking of first in Physics and 2nd in Chemistry, he has also ranked first in mathematics.. Liam regularly assists his classmates with their academic and wellbeing needs and this is a trait that will help him to succeed in his work and studies after school. Liam is aiming to study at University in the areas of Chemistry or Engineering and his skills and experiences will allow to him to excel in either of these areas.
Ulladulla High School – Lara Horvat
Lara displays a natural aptitude for the sciences and has sought to develop her understanding in all aspects of her work throughout year 11. She has achieved first place in a highly competitive Chemistry and Biology cohort, demonstrating a clear commitment and dedication to fully understanding all concepts. Lara has demonstrated incredible skill in collaborative learning by co-constructing her understanding with peers resulting in not only her success but furthering the success of her peers. The kind of dedication shown by Lara is a very rare sight indeed and we are truly delighted to be part of her educational journey.
About the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute
The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute is dedicated to finding cures for cardiovascular disease and has earned its place on the global stage as one of the most respected heart research facilities in the world.
Renowned for the quality of its breakthroughs, the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute uses innovative transplantation techniques and conducts complex molecular and genetic analysis, to discover better ways to diagnose, treat and ultimately prevent the onset of heart disease. For more information visit www.victorchang.edu.au