Collaborative practice re-energises bioscience teaching in schools

Abstract

This year marks the first decade of operations for the Gene Technology Access Centre (GTAC). The decade has seen a grassroots initiative by a small group of eminent research scientists and dedicated personnel from the University High School in Melbourne grow into a specialist education centre in cell and molecular biology that attracts over 6000 students and their teachers each year. GTAC has not only refocused student and teacher attention on the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary biology, but has also highlighted how a ‘centre model for learning’, based upon collaboration and partnerships, can exist within ‘the school system’ and meet the needs of students and teachers from across Victoria and beyond.