Winner: 2022 Early Career Prize for Excellence in Primary Education
Serena Parker-Sharp
Spring Grove Junior, Infant and Nursery School
For championing inclusion and diversity within the primary science curriculum to allow children of all backgrounds to see themselves as scientists.
In a maintained school, we have the responsibility of delivering the content of the National Curriculum which is set out by the Department for Education. Within this, schools have the freedom to personalise the curriculum for their community. It was vital to ensure that the school community saw itself within that curriculum. This means that children study science through those that contributed to it from across the world.
Biography
Having started her career in schools as a member of support staff, Serena Parker-Sharp was always determined to become a teacher. She embarked on a degree whilst working full time, which proved to be a challenge; perseverance and resilience meant that she completed the degree and was accepted onto a teaching training course. Upon completion she was appointed in an Outstanding, incredibly supportive school and quickly took on leadership and responsibility of science.
The children have made me see that with good opportunities it is possible for any child to succeed in science.
Miss Serena Parker-Sharp
Q&A with Miss Serena Parker-Sharp
How have your students inspired you?
The children have made me see that with good opportunities it is possible for any child to succeed in science.
Why do you think teamwork is important in science education?
Children need to be able to communicate. This means that they need to know they have a voice which deserves to be heard, they also need to know how to listen to one another and respectfully agree and disagree. Empowering children to use their voice is vital to their success.