Chemistry teacher wins ASG national award

St Cuthberts College Head of Chemistry, Ian Torrie has received an ASG National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA), making him one of New Zealands top educators.

Mr Torrie is one of five teachers to receive the prestigious ASG teaching award across early childhood, primary, intermediate and secondary schools from more than 600 nominations.

ASG NEiTA chief executive officer, John Velegrinis, says Mr Torrie is an outstanding educator.

Mr Torrie has proven himself to be a teacher of the highest calibre. It is very heartening to meet a teaching professional so committed to bringing out the best in our students and his record of achievement is outstanding".

ASG NEiTA recipients go through a rigorous selection process to reach the national awards. They are first nominated by a parent, board member, trustee, parent or community organisation, which is then followed by the teacher submitting a comprehensive self-portrait and teaching background. From the 600 nominations, regional recipients are selected who then give a five-minute oral presentation to the judging panel and submit a paper on a topic of their interest to be considered for a national award in the Excellence in Teaching and Leadership categories.

ASG NEiTA Chairman Allen Blewitt says Mr Torrie is making a substantial and positive impact in secondary education.

"Mr Torries paper titled Improving the Quality of Chemistry Teaching by Personalising Learning was comprehensive, thoroughly researched and highly relevant in content.

"His knowledge, passion and contribution is deeply appreciated and valued by the community," added Mr Blewitt.

Mr Torrie has presided over an uplift in the number of students taking Chemistry at all-girls school, St Cuthberts College. More than 40 percent of senior students at the school take chemistry, with a similar number going on to study science related subjects at tertiary level.

Traditionally viewed by some as a male-dominated subject, Mr Torries enthusiastic style of teaching has made the subject of Chemistry and its resulting career possibilities accessible and enjoyable for his students.

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Chemistry teacher wins ASG national award