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Andrew Pirie

Shailer Park State High School

This teacher’s innovative work is improving student outcomes and creating future life opportunities in the process.

As Head of Department of Science, Andrew Pirie has transformed the way Science is being taught at Shailer Park State High School (SPSHS).

Andrew’s incredible contributions to the science department, have seen student achievement improve significantly, and students are consistently engaging with university programs such as the University of Queensland’s (UQ) Junior Physics Olympiad, STEM Girl Power Camp, Growing Tall Poppies and the National Youth Science Forum. 

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Andrew’s most distinguished achievement is the long-term development of the Math and Science NEXUS Academy at SPSHS, an academic excellence pathway designed to challenge the most capable of students.

His integral role in the establishment of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Griffith University for the NEXUS academy has led to the students embarking on multiple university visits, and a Women in STEM conference held at SPSHS.

At the conference students were able to hear from keynote speaker Professor Debra Henly, the Deputy Vice Chancellor at Griffith University, as well as a team of highly distinguished Griffith University Women who are leaders in STEM.

SPSHS has also this year hosted the regional Wonder of Science (University of Queensland) conference for 120 students across Logan as a result of Andrew’s co-chair role in the ENABLE STEM network. 

Another of Andrew’s contributions has been his leadership in successfully integrating literacy education with science in the development of a program called the “Language of Science”.

This program is now used school-wide, and other schools across the region have taken notice and adopted the language principles as well. 

In addition to his role at SPSHS, Andrew has also spent time as Head of Curriculum in Science at Kimberley Park State School – one of the largest primary schools working with Shailer Park State High School.

Andrew shares his expertise in implementing effective science curriculum in schools by leading several professional development sessions.

He has been invited by leading educators and academics to speak at conferences and network seminars, and has engaged with Professor Geoff Masters, CEO of the Australian Council for Educational Research, for the purposes of assessment re-design and schoolwide curriculum alignment.

Andrew’s programs and efforts have been widely celebrated by the school community, including the Director-General of the Department of Education and Training, Dr Jim Watterston.

Congratulations Andrew on your nomination. 

Queensland College of Teachers
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​Toowong Qld 4066
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  • Home
  • TEACHX AWARDS
    • 2019 TEACHX Winners
    • 2019 TEACHX Finalists
    • 2019 TEACHX Nominees >
      • Beginning to Teach Award Nominees 2019
      • OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO SCHOOL COMMUNITY AWARD NOMINEES 2019
      • Excellence in Teaching Award Nominees 2019
      • Innovation in Teaching Award Nominees 2019
      • Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning Award Nominees 2019
      • Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Award Nominees 2019
  • Teacher Stories
    • Teaching graduates meet tough standards
    • Rachel Downie
    • The importance of teachers
    • Marsden State High School has the answer to keeping beginning teachers in the classroom
    • Exceptional support for early career teachers in Far North Queensland
    • QBECT
    • 2018 Awards >
      • 2018 Winners
      • 2018 Finalists
      • 2018 Nominees >
        • Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award
        • Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning Award
        • Excellence in Teaching Award
        • Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Award
        • Outstanding Contribution to School Community Award
    • 2017 Awards >
      • 2017 Winners
      • 2017finalists
      • 2017 nominees >
        • Excellence in Beginning to Teach
        • Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning
        • Excellence in Teaching
        • Outstanding Contribution to Teaching
    • 2016 Awards >
      • Excellence in Beginning to Teach
      • Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning
      • Excellence in Teaching
      • Outstanding Contribution to Teaching
    • HAT and LT >
      • Meet the Assessors
      • Ruth Graham
      • Tracey Peden
      • Helen and Dwayne
      • Carly Sopronick
      • Jessica Roberts
      • Jessica Roth
    • OAM >
      • Kathryn George, OAM
      • Keith Graham, OAM
      • Dr Judith Grimes, OAM
      • Michael Goodwin, OAM
      • Steve Parle, OAM
      • Dr Lyn Bishop, OAM
      • Dr Catherine Day, OAM
    • Taryn Gollshewsky
    • Vanuatu
    • NAIDOC >
      • NAIDOC Week 2017
      • NAIDOC Week 2016
    • QLD Day >
      • Bundaberg East State School
      • St Catherine's Catholic College
      • Mornington Island State School
      • Queensland Week 2016
    • ANZAC
  • Anxiety and trauma―an expert’s advice