Glen Innes High School’s very own Matt Dodds has been nationally recognised for his efforts and contributions to science education.
The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science are Australia’s most prestigious and highly regarded science awards.
Physics and Biology teacher Mr Dodds has been awarded the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools for 2025.
Mr Dodds inspires students with his unwavering commitment to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
He holds a strong passion for giving all students, including those in rural areas or diverse backgrounds, an equal opportunity to get involved with STEM.
The use of Mr Dodds’s practical, hands on teaching has been a game changer in not only explaining at times abstract concepts for students, but also in fostering a real love for the subject.
This has been particularly evident in the way Mr Dodds has helped lift the number of female students studying physics at Glen Innes High School and has even helped some students going on to higher education in STEM fields.
“I’ve always been curious about how the universe works on a deeper level – it gives us an appreciation of the world around us,” Mr Dodds said.
“Just because we’re in rural Australia doesn’t mean students shouldn’t have access to high quality STEM experiences.”
NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said Mr Dodds had a strong passion for giving all students, including those in rural areas and diverse backgrounds, an equal opportunity to get involved with STEM.
“I’d like to congratulate Glen Innes High School’s Matt Dodds, who has received the 2025 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools, “ Mr Dizdar said.
“This is one of the most prestigious science awards in the country, and it’s a testament to the commitment, dedication and passion Matt has for STEM, his students and the wider school community.
“Matt has shown an admirable commitment to broadening involvement in STEM for students from diverse backgrounds, and he is a shining example of the outstanding teaching and learning happening in our regional schools.
“We are so privileged to have teachers such as Matt and 2024 award winner Alice Leung from Concord High School educating our students on the wonders of STEM.”
One key initiative for which Mr Dodds has been recognised is the Astronomy and Astrophysics Depth Study Program, an annual two-day event at Siding Spring Observatory in Coonabarabran. Now in its seventh year, the program has drawn more than 280 students from regional schools across New South Wales.
Those efforts are also far reaching through the resource sharing Mr Dodds does with other teachers nationally to help engage and enrich students studying science.
“It’s important for teachers to embrace lifelong learning and new discoveries in science. Students are inspired when they see their teacher’s passion,” he said.
Media Release: NSW Department of Education
