Caroline Skerry

Winner: 2022 Excellence in Primary Education Prize

St Joseph's School

For outstanding contributions to delivering primary science teaching and supporting others to provide excellent teaching through establishing and leading the Cornwall Primary Science Share.

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Caroline's day-to-day job is that of Junior Head at St Joseph's School in Launceston. This role includes ensuring the teachers and pupils in her care have every opportunity to reach their potential. She has introduced several science projects in school which have fostered a ‘can do’ attitude and enthusiasm for science amongst her pupils. such as her 'Kitchen Science' videos.

In 2018 Caroline established a brand new primary science network for teachers in Cornwall. Caroline invited other CPD providers in Cornwall to support this venture: including the Wellcome Trust, The Association for Science Education (ASE), The Science Learning Partnership (SLP), Primary Science Teaching Trust, The Eden Project and The 萝莉社. From small beginnings, over 60 primary teachers now respond to Caroline’s invitations to the online Cornwall Primary Science Share.

Caroline Skerry is a Junior Head at St Joseph's School in Launceston, Cornwall, and a Fellow of the Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT). She delivers primary science CPD for Cornwall SCITT, STEM and PSTT and is an Explorify Champion.

Good science education can support global challenges by ensuring that the time is taken to consider all the outcomes, particularly the environmental ones. Scientists must always have our planet at the forefront of their minds in everything they do.

Q&A

How did you first become interested in chemistry or science?

In primary school. My year 5/6 teacher was showing us convection using a camping cooker, jam jar and a piece of potassium permanganate in water. The purple line was just beginning to move in around the jar, when the jar exploded. That was me hooked on science!

Who or what inspired you to have a role in education?

Teaching was the last thing I wanted to do. In fact, in my end of school yearbook my quote is 'He who can does, he who can't teaches'. However, when I began my PGCE in 1997, I realised that teaching was my vocation and 24 years later I still look forward to going to work every day. How lucky am I!?

What motivates you?

Being the best I can be, and ensuring all the children in my care have the opportunity to be the best they can be.

What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in chemistry?

If you have a passion for chemistry, realise it.

How have your students inspired you?

They inspire me every day with their enthusiasm, love for learning and curiosity.

How can good science education support solving global challenges?

Why is chemistry education important?

Because it is an integral part of primary science, and let's be honest, it's where a lot of the 'fun' science happens.

What has been a highlight for you (either personally or in your career)?

The day a former student came to find me to tell me they had become a teacher because I had inspired them, and any time one of my students has a 'lightbulb' moment.

What has been a challenge for you (either personally or in your career)?

Lockdown learning.

How are the chemical sciences making the world a better place?

Because without chemistry there would be no wine or beer.

Why do you think teamwork is important in science education?

All science educators are ultimately aiming to achieve the same outcomes – to ensure excellent science education. Working as a team ensures that all teachers have access to the resources and support they need to achieve this.

Who or what has supported you in your career as an educator?

There are too many people to name, from Tony Doyle, my first Head, to the PSTT, STEM Learning, the RSC, and the SMT at St Joseph's where I work now, and of course all those in between.

For a bit of fun....What is your favourite element?

Ah – the element of surprise.