Maroochydore State High School is a finalist in the Queensland Showcase Excellence in Schools Awards in the category of Innovation in Education. Our work in Biotechnology has seen Maroochydore High recognised as a leader in Science Education in Queensland. Our entry “The Biotechnology Revolution” will now be judged against two other schools for the title of the most innovative education program in Queensland. Maroochydore High was the only school in the Sunshine Coast Region to be short listed as a state Showcase finalist and this honour recognises our achievement of being the first school in the world to clone a gene in the classroom.

Using two purpose built laboratories, Biotechnology is taught from Year 9 onwards where activities such as genetic cloning are now common place. The innovative value of this project is also evident through staff presenting at conferences such as the 2007 World Science and Technology Education Conference and in working with eLearning Branch to produce a DVD, Learning Community and short courses for nation-wide distribution.

This recognition is also a tribute to the work of David Samaha, Gary Turner and the dedicated staff of the Science Faculty. It reinforces and highlights the very high quality education that is provided here at Maroochydore SHS. The state winners will be announced by the Minister for Education, Training and the Arts at a gala dinner in Brisbane on 5 September.