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Marble Bar Primary School principal Shane Wilson awarded top teaching prize

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Bethany HiattThe West Australian
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Marble Bar Primary School principal Shane Wilson.
Camera IconMarble Bar Primary School principal Shane Wilson. Credit: The Scene Team

The principal of a remote WA school with just 31 pupils has been recognised for his work using state-of-the-art virtual reality technology to inspire his students’ interest in science.

Marble Bar Primary School principal Shane Wilson has become one of 12 “teaching fellows” and one of just 22 educators from across Australia to win a prestigious Commonwealth Bank teaching award.

Awarded in partnership with national charity Schools Plus, the prize celebrates outstanding teachers who are bridging the education gap in disadvantaged areas.

Mr Wilson’s work has enabled Marble Bar students to show their understanding of scientific concepts through their artwork, which is then uploaded to a “virtual gallery” to be shared with people across the world.

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“I look at this as being a tool for engagement,” he said.

“They might go out on country, looking at animals or plants, then the students do a two-dimensional representation of their work on a page, then scale it up on to canvas.”

From there it is integrated into a virtual gallery, along with a literacy piece describing the animal or its significance to the country.

Mr Wilson received $45,000 to fund a strategic program in his school and for professional development.

Kylie Chatfield, from Christmas Island District High School, was also recognised as one of 10 early career teachers making a significant impact on students’ outcomes, awarded $10,000 for professional development.

Schools Plus executive officer Rosemary Conn said the teachers should be congratulated for their innovation, resilience and tireless commitment to their students.

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