We run a four-day professional learning and development programme for up to 24 secondary school teachers in Dunedin during the summer school holidays. The 2025 workshop will run from January 19–22, 2025 (TBC).
Teacher applications for 2024 are now closed. Applications for the 2025 programme will be open in September 2024.
Sessions were run by academic teaching staff at the University and invited speakers who specialise in science outreach. The focus was on practical sessions and current academic research linked to the New Zealand Science Curriculum.
Workshops in January 2024 included:
- Practical lab sessions for senior Biology, Chemistry and Physics teachers
- Using Sport and Exercise Science to teach scientific concepts
- Field trip to New Zealand Marine Studies Centre to for classroom resources and teaching activities around Marine Science for junior and senior students
- Resource sharing, networking and programme planning with other teachers
- Incorporating Matauranga Maori into the Science classroom
- NCEA Level 1: Teaching the new Science Standards
- And much, much more!
Teachers on a field trip to Otago Peninsula, January 2021.
To date, our professional development workshops have been very well received and we will continue to work hard to ensure the programme provides you with new skills, insights and resources to enhance your classroom teaching.
The overall aim is to present tools and techniques that teachers can apply back in their classrooms. We also aim to foster links, discussions and support between teachers and academic staff at the University of Otago.
Quotes from 2024 teachers
“I will be recommending this program to my colleagues as I found it so valuable.”
“Thank you for a fantastic week. It was the best workshop I have been on with relevant information but also enough free time to enjoy ourselves. Everything was top notch, from the accommodation, food and planning and preparation for the week. Will love to join this again in the future.”
“With the changes in NCEA L1 this year, the discussions with experts/other teachers etc have been invaluable. Thank you and I will be recommending this course to anyone who will listen!!!”
Venue
Teachers were housed at Te Ranghiroa, the University’s newest residential college with workshops and activities held around campus.
Cost
$450 plus travel
This covers your programme costs, transport during the programme, accommodation and meals. Transport will be provided to and from Dunedin airport or bus station.
Withdrawal of Ministry of Education funding in 2019 means we are no longer able to cover travel costs to and from Dunedin.
Teacher workshop interviews
Hear from teachers who have attended our PLD workshops in the past.
- Richard Armomd – Stratford High School
- Lynley Hall – Lytton High School
- Gael Surrey – Waitara High School
For further information, contact:
Emily Hall MSciComm
Science Teaching Co-ordinator
Science Academy
Tel +64 3 244 8487
Email ouassa@otago.ac.nz