Excellence in Teaching

Dr Jan Giffney, Head of the Science Faculty at St Cuthbert’s College, has been honoured with a prestigious professional award.
Dr Giffney has just won the 2010 Spacific Yearbooks/Independent Schools of New Zealand Excellence in Teaching Award for Exceptional Professional Performance for Years 11-13.
“Shocked” was how Dr Giffney felt when she first heard the news. “I am grateful to my wonderful colleagues who nominated me,” she said. “They are outstanding teachers in their own right and this is a reflection on the Chemistry Department as a whole.”
Some years ago, Dr Giffney switched from Maths to Chemistry because she feels there is a magic in chemistry.
“The magic of chemistry can fascinate students,” she said. “As a teacher, you can use that magic to challenge their thinking.
It’s rewarding that so many students now want to do what they see as a ‘fun’ subject.”
Dr Giffney will receive her award from the Associate Minister of Education, the Hon. Heather Roy, at a ceremony in Queenstown in late August.