Jennifer Searcy
Mathematician and Science Educator
Jennifer is shown working with three older high school students during a typical
After School and Vacation Program session.
Photographer Jeremy Ha
While still in school
Jennifer Searcy developed her love of teaching others in science and
mathematics. She studied at the University of Western Australia, and became a
mathematician and teacher.
Concerned for Australia’s future as Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics teachers
dwindled in number, and students became fewer, Jennifer gave free tutorials in
the refectory at Murdoch University. The University recognised the value of her
work, provided her with classrooms and eventually an office.
Jennifer initiated and developed the Murdoch University After school and
vacation program in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, which offers
opportunities to children age 10 – 19 who are interested in the world around
them. By attending one or more afternoons each week for two hours from 4.30pm,
or through one-week holiday programs, participants can learn Mathematics,
Physics or Chemistry and ways to identify scientific solutions to real-world
problems.
Based upon proportional reasoning which she had herself learnt in primary
school, Jennifer’s Chemistry question sheets and techniques teach children of
all ages to become proficient and confident in solving problems. Children are
accepted into Mathematics and Chemistry aged 10, but not into Physics until they
have the necessary skills in calculus and trigonometry, gained through the
Mathematics sessions.
They may continue in the Program as long as they have an interest in their
subject and desire to be there, and those who continue in the course can attempt
the National Qualifying Examination in the Olympiads. Through the Program
students are also given the opportunity of taking university examinations in
Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, achieving university credits whilst they are
still in high school. To date, eight students have achieved 19 first year units,
and through the Program it is possible for them to complete an entire first year
of university in the physical sciences whilst still at school.
In 2001, Jennifer was awarded the Murdoch University Senate Medal, and in 2004
was invited to become a Fellow of the Australian College of Educators. This year
she was granted a Murdoch University’s Vice Chancellor’s Citation for Excellence
in Enhancing Learning in 2007.
Jennifer’s ambition is to establish an Institute for Mathematics and Physics,
housing both tertiary teaching and research and nurturing the After school and
vacation program in a building of their own. Her belief is that Western
Australia’s industry and science requirements can provide a generation of
children with ever expanding opportunities to achieve careers that satisfy
themselves, and give the nation competent scientists and mathematicians.
Building an Institute would provide a supportive and inspiring environment for
the children, their mentors and models.
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