A New Coordinator's Perspective

We asked Gaby, primary science specialist at Enfield Primary School, about her experience being a new coordinator for the Oliphant Science Awards in 2024. 

I became a primary science teacher specialist in 2024 entered my 5/6 students for the first time in the Oliphant Science Awards. From going to Science Alive the past few years and seeing the student displays, I knew that the Oliphant Awards were prestigious awards to participate in, and accessible to students across the state.I entered the students in the Games category in 2024. 

I wanted to learn more about the process of entering my students into the awards so I volunteered as a judge of the games category. I thought it was a fantastic and eye opening experience, seeing the impressive standard of work from other kids. I liked collaborating, moderating and discussing the entries with other science teachers. 

I love the diversity of the student entries across all the categories and I came away from the judging experience very inspired and excited to enter the competition again.

In 2025 I have entered my students in the Poster category. My students are thoroughly enjoying the process of creating and designing their posters. Some students are very motivated to work independently on their posters at home. They are learning independence and I like that they have the opportunity to follow their specific interests through their research and design process. 

The process of entering my students into the Oliphant Awards has been very positive and inspiring. I look forward to volunteering as a judge again this year.