Cobar High School’s school captain Jye Robinson was among a small group of Year 11 students from schools across the Dubbo region to be presented with a Victor Chang School Science Award.
Jye was presented with his award for excellent achievement and passion for science at special ceremony in Dubbo last Wednesday by Professor Jamie Vandenberg from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.
Prof Vandenberg told students that a career in science can be hugely fulfilling but they need to be passionate.
“Science is about trying to understand and solve nature’s problems, no matter how big or small.
“The best part is that it allows you to contribute newly discovered knowledge to the world, which can directly better society,” Prof Vandenberg explained.
The Victor Chang School Science Awards were established over a decade ago to honour bright, young students excelling in science, with the hope that they would consider a career in the field.
This is the second year in a row that a Cobar High School student has been a recipient of the award, with Bryan Mitchell also receiving a Victor Chang award last year.
Jye commenced studying Chemistry this year as part of his HSC course through the Aurora College Virtual High School program which is part of NSW Education’s rural and remote strategies.
Statistics show that since 1992, there has been a steady decline of students choosing to study science in their senior years.
It has also been estimated that 75 per cent of the fastest growing occupations require science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills and knowledge.
“In order for our country to be prosperous and to be at the forefront of innovation and medical advancements, we need to encourage our young people to pursue science,” Professor Vandenberg said.
