Templeton School, Te Kura o Rātā - Ange Poxon
2025 | Biodiversity conservation in Canterbury
Name: Ange Poxon
School: Templeton School, Te Kura o Rātā
Region: Christchurch, Canterbury
Programme: Biodiversity conservation in Canterbury
Host: Lincoln University, Department of Pest Management and Conservation
Templeton School Te Kura o Rātā believes that great science learning is practical, meaningful and taught in authentic contexts. They hope to inspire their students to be curious and connected learners who can positively contribute to the world they live in and will inherit. Through participation in the Science Teaching Leadership Programme (STLP), Templeton Te Kura o Rātā intends to focus on developing a cohesive pathway for science learning across their school and add to their current professional development to foster sustained and effective science teaching across the school.
Ange has had 15 years primary teaching experience in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom. She has had the opportunity to teach a broad range of year levels and students from diverse cultural backgrounds in both rural and town schools. She is passionate about student wellbeing and believes that being in nature, working collaboratively, wondering about and observing the world around you can strengthen one’s wellbeing. In 2023, she participated in the Sir Angus Tait Science Enrichment Programme where she started her journey in science leadership and intends to grow this further through STLP.
During her placement at Lincoln University, Ange will participate in the general research and activities conducted by the Department of Pest Management and Conservation. This will include opportunities to work with students and faculty staff, attend undergraduate and postgraduate courses, participate in field and lab-based research, and interact with students and researchers in academia. This will enable her to experience the practical use of science in New Zealand conservation.
On completion of her placement, Ange aims to have a firm foundation of knowledge and understanding of the Nature of Science, conservation and biodiversity, as well as associated field and laboratory skills.