Treasured Science Technician, Maureen Wade, was formally presented with the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Excellence in Secondary and Further Education Prize in a special ceremony held at The Victory Academy. Surrounded by her colleagues from the Science Department, Maureen received the award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to chemistry education.
The event was a moment of celebration and pride for the entire school community. The award was presented by Louise Tomlinson the RSC Education Coordinator and Niki Kaiser, Chair of the RSC Prizes Committee, who commended Maureen’s dedication to innovation in practical chemistry and her unwavering support for both students and fellow educators.
Niki proudly said: “Maureen is science in school – She is everything about it. If you ask any Science Teacher, they will tell you that you cannot survive without a good technician and Maureen is not a good technician, she is an amazing technician. “The reason she was nominated for this award, and won it, was because of all the work she does more widely [outside of the school]. She reaches out to others, goes to other places across the country and work without science teachers. She helps other teachers to develop. “It’s fabulous that she’s won this award and it’s incredibly well deserved.”
Niki proudly said: “Maureen is science in school – She is everything about it. If you ask any Science Teacher, they will tell you that you cannot survive without a good technician and Maureen is not a good technician, she is an amazing technician.
“The reason she was nominated for this award, and won it, was because of all the work she does more widely [outside of the school]. She reaches out to others, goes to other places across the country and work without science teachers. She helps other teachers to develop.
“It’s fabulous that she’s won this award and it’s incredibly well deserved.”
Maureen, who has worked tirelessly to develop microscale practical chemistry resources and support science education both locally and nationally, expressed her gratitude during the ceremony.
She said: “This award means a lot to me because somebody nominated me without my knowing, so that showed that somebody appreciated what I was doing. The Royal Society of Chemistry is a national institution and to receive an award from them is recognition indeed. It’s beyond what I could ever expect.”
The ceremony highlighted not only Maureen’s individual achievements but also the collaborative spirit of the Victory Academy Science Department. Her colleagues applauded her commitment to excellence and her role in shaping the next generation of scientists.
Maureen reflected: “My official title is Lead Technician, but what I am is a member of a team. I am a member of the Science team, and we all play a role. My role is to equip teachers, not just with apparatus, glass wear and chemicals, but to equip them with the tools so they can do their best teaching.”
Maureen’s recognition by the Royal Society of Chemistry places her among a distinguished group of educators and innovators who are making a lasting impact on the chemical sciences.