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Media Release
International acclaim for Australian mathematician
23 August 2006
The Minister for Education, Science and Training the Hon Julie Bishop MP today congratulated Australian Professor Terence Tao for being awarded the world’s most prestigious mathematics honour - the Fields Medal, which is considered to be the mathematics equivalent of a Nobel Prize.
“Prof Tao’s achievements will inspire other outstanding young Australians and encourage students to consider a science, engineering and mathematics based career,” Minister Bishop said.
Minister Bishop met recently with Professor Garth Gaudry, who taught Prof Tao from the age of 12 at Flinders University, and discussed the need for an increased focus on training young people in the sciences and in mathematics.
“One of the lessons to be learnt from Prof Tao’s experience is the need for an effective early childhood learning environment,” Minister Bishop said.
“Preschools should provide the kind of learning experiences for very young Australians that will stimulate their curiosity about the way the world works, expose them to the joy of discovery, and sow the seeds of a life-long interest in science.
“Science and mathematics teaching and learning in primary schools needs to be fun and engaging, providing many opportunities for investigation of the world and its wonders.
“Currently, there is too little science taught in primary schools.”
Minister Bishop announced recently a project to develop an Australian School Science Education Framework to map key school science initiatives across Australia, including existing programmes operating in the States and Territories, to identify gaps and recommend actions to improve science focussed education.
Media Contacts:
Ms Bishop’s Office: Murray Hansen 0417 886 155
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