National Award Leads to Penrhos Maths Scholarship
Curtin University student, Hannah Mast, has been named recipient of the 2017 Penrhos College Maths Mentor Scholarship.
Announced today by Penrhos College and the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI), the $5000 one-year scholarship will support Ms Mast as she completes her Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary School).
Ms Mast, who also has a Bachelors in Science (Bsc) in Mathematics and Chemistry, said she was thrilled at her selection for the opportunity, which will fast track her teaching career under the mentorship and guidance of Penrhos Maths Mentor Coordinator, Peter Chandler.
“I’m so excited to be working with Peter and Penrhos. I’m hoping to take away the skills to build a passion for and love of mathematics, in girls all over Australia and the world,” she said.
Sponsored using his AMSI Choose Maths Award for Mentoring Girls in Maths funded by BHP Billiton Foundation, the scholarship is not only a passing of the baton of sorts for Peter but a chance for him to learn from a new generation.
“By providing practical placements to a future maths teacher, this is a chance to inspire and mentor their development as an educator. Equally, along the way I hope to learn and benefit from them,” said Peter.
Penrhos College Principal, Mrs Meg Melville, is unsurprised by Peter’s decision to invest in a new generation of maths education, something she sees as a reflection of both his passion for Maths and another example of his leadership within the Penrhos College community.
“While extraordinary, Peter’s decision to invest in this scholarship is a reflection of his enormous impact on maths learning at Penrhos. This is another example of his commitment to challenge and mentor students and colleagues to their full mathematical potential,” said Mrs Melville.
With 26 per cent of Years 7-10 maths classes currently taught by out-of-field teachers, AMSI Choose Maths Director and Schools Program Manager, Janine McIntosh, applauded the Scholarship’s focus on maths trained candidates.
“This scholarship and Peter’s commitment to fostering a new generation of educators demonstrates why he was selected as a Choose Maths Award winner and is a testament to his commitment to engaging girls and women in maths” she said.
The announcement follows the recent launch of the AMSI Choose Maths Awards 2017, with teacher and student applications now open.
Expanding on last year’s awards, there are three top teacher prizes in 2017 including one Mentoring Girls in Maths Award and Outstanding Primary Teacher and Secondary Teacher Awards. Applications close 7 July 2017. Visit https://schools.amsi.org.au/choosemaths/.
The student video competition celebrates excellence in Australian maths classrooms. Open to upper primary and secondary school teams, this year’s theme is Maths is Our Future. For more information and to register, visit http://teachers.choosemaths.org.au/student-awards/. Submissions close, 23 June 2017.
Choose Maths is a national project delivered by the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute with the support of the BHP Billiton Foundation. Working with Australian schools, teachers and the community, it aims to strengthen mathematics teaching and empower students, particularly girls, through engaging delivery and career awareness.
For Interview:
AMSI Choose Maths:
Ms Janine McIntosh
Schools Program Manager and
Choose Maths Program Director
Penrhos College:
Mr Peter Chandler, Maths Mentor Coordinator
Mrs Meg Melville, Principal
Hannah Mast
Media Contacts:
AMSI – Laura Watson
E: media@amsi.org.au
M: 04215 18733
W: amsi.org.au
Penrhos College – Natalie Nazzari
E: nazzan@penrhos.wa.edu.au
M: 0404 586 796
