To help our members become more familiar with the various groups that make up the RACI Victoria Branch, our branch committee is launching a new series of interviews with each group committee in Victoria. Through these features, we hope to highlight the people behind the scenes and showcase the diverse activities and opportunities available across our branch.
Today, as the VIC Branch President-Elect, I had the pleasure of featuring an interview with the Education Group Committee, represented by Ms Louise Macfarlane from Kilvington Grammar School.
[VIC] Can you tell us about your day job or committee day job
[Edu] Head of Science at Kilvington Grammar
[VIC] Tell us a bit more about the Education Group & Committee
1. What is the mission of the RACI Victoria Education Group?
To support and educate chemistry teachers.
2. Who makes up the committee, and what roles do they play?
Several high school chemistry teachers and university lecturers form the committee.
3. How did you first get involved with the Education Group?
Another chemistry teacher invited me to join the committee as a way to network and learn more about chemistry teaching.
4. What do you enjoy most about being part of the committee?
Sharing experiences in teaching and learning new experiments to make the teaching space more fun.
5. What challenges has the group faced in recent years, and how have you overcome them?
High workload for chemistry teachers makes finding time to be on the committee a challenge for all involved.
[VIC] How about the Education and Outreach Activities in the group?
1. What kinds of programs or events does the Education Group run throughout the year?
The RMIT chemistry teacher lectures and workshop professional development day.
2. How do you support chemistry teachers across Victoria?
By mentoring student teachers, new teachers and helping trial and demonstrate the new experiments.
3. Are there any partnerships or collaborations you're especially proud of?
RACI appreciates the support of RMIT and VCAA.
4. Can you tell us about an activity or resource that was particularly popular or well-received?
I am most excited about the new experiments we will present this year on 4/6/25, which match with the new chemistry curriculum.
[VIC] The Group Highlights & Vision
1. Can you share a story about a student or team that stood out during any activities?
Being a part of the RACI chemistry education committee means I have lots of friendly contacts with ideas about SACs, ways to approach curriculum and fresh experiments. This collegiate support is invaluable.
2. What advice would you give to schools or teachers new to these competitions?
The ICQ is a fun way for students to challenge themselves. There are past year papers for the students to practise on.
3. How can new volunteers or educators get involved with the Education Group?
Contact myself: Macfarlanel[at]Kilvington.vic.edu.au
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Wenyi Li
Senior Lecturer
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