Hilary Johnson’s efforts are boosting student achievement and the reputation of horticulture as a career.
Katikati College had offered horticulture for many years but it had become known as a ‘drop-out’ subject, with poor engagement, poor student and staff retention and very low achievement. Meanwhile demand for skilled horticulture workers was growing.
Hilary Johnson
A hand-up for horticulture
Science Spinners Science Teacher / Educator / Communicator Award – Winner
Hilary Johnson’s efforts are boosting student achievement and the reputation of horticulture as a career.
Katikati College had offered horticulture for many years but it had become known as a ‘drop-out’ subject, with poor engagement, poor student and staff retention and very low achievement. Meanwhile demand for skilled horticulture workers was growing.
Joining the school in 2018 as Innovative Horticulture Programme Manager, Hilary raised 940k to establish a purpose-built teaching centre and completely revolutionised the horticultural science programme. She introduced a modular, self-paced learning approach catering to different interests, abilities, learning styles, career intentions, and ethnic diversity. Now a third of the senior school take the subject, with graduates emerging as career-ready employees and well-prepared for tertiary studies.
Hilary Johnson is a 2023 finalist in the Science Teacher/Educator/Communicator Award