Three Georgiana Molloy Anglican School (GMAS) teachers have been awarded full scholarships to attend the GeoSciEdX 2026 Conference in Adelaide, recognising their passion for science education and commitment to professional learning.
Ms Ashley Chamberlain, Dr Caroline Mullins and Mrs Rebecca Retzlaff were selected to attend the international conference, held every four years, which brings together educators, researchers and industry professionals to explore innovative approaches to teaching earth and space science.
The scholarships acknowledge the strength of science education at GMAS and provide an exciting opportunity for the teachers to build new knowledge, connect with colleagues from across Australia and overseas, and bring fresh ideas back to the classroom.
Ms Chamberlain said she was excited and ‘couldn’t believe’ she had been awarded the scholarship.
‘I’m looking forward to learning how to include more practical activities in Earth Science, as well as creating connections with other teachers around Australia,’ she said.
Ms Chamberlain is particularly interested in exploring how the South West’s unique geology can be used to make science learning more engaging through hands-on activities and local field experiences.
Year 6 teacher Mrs Retzlaff described the scholarship as an ‘incredibly exciting and meaningful opportunity’.
She is looking forward to learning from leading national and international educators and hopes to bring back practical, inquiry-based strategies that encourage curiosity and help students make stronger connections between classroom learning and the world around them. Rebecca is also eager to explore new ways to incorporate GMAS’s AuSIS seismometer into teaching, helping to connect students with real-world geoscience.
For Dr Mullins, the opportunity to learn from international experts and experience field-based learning was a major drawcard.
She is particularly excited to investigate the geological history of Adelaide’s coastline through hands-on field trips and explore new technologies and resources that will support more engaging science experiences for students. Dr Millins also looks forward to learning more about the AusGeochem project, which is making geological data freely accessible to researchers, educators and the wider community.
Professional learning opportunities such as GeoSciEdX reinforce the importance of investing in staff development and collaboration. By sharing new knowledge, practical strategies and innovative teaching approaches, Ms Chamberlain, Dr Mullins and Mrs Retzlaff will help further strengthen science education at GMAS while contributing to a culture of continuous improvement across the School.
Congratulations to Ms Chamberlain, Dr Mullins and Mrs Retzlaff on this outstanding achievement.
