Fellowship awarded ‘at a very good time’ for Dr Phil
AFFECTIONATELY known as ‘‘Dr Phil’’ among pupils and staff at Otago Girls’ High School, Ian Phillips has been awarded this year’s Highgate Fellowship by the school’s board of trustees.
The fellowship will allow the head of science to spend about a month in Europe next year, studying environmental science, ‘‘green chemistry’’ and attend a conference which recognises the 150th anniversary of the periodic table of elements.
Dr Phillips said he was surprised by the fellowship, and was delighted to be recognised for his service to the school and his pupils.
It would spur his enthusiasm for the job.
‘‘It’s come at a very good time.
‘‘I’ve been teaching for about 22 years, so it’s a nice time to get something like this.’’
Dr Phillips began teaching at Greymouth High School before becoming the assistant head of science at Otago Girls’ in 2000. He later became head of the department.
Earlier this year, he was presented with the Science into Action Science Teacher Award for a school teacher of science, mathematics and technology at the Otago Daily Times Regional Science Awards.
He also runs science programmes for pupils from contributing schools, often giving up his own time to make it possible.
He has encouraged and supported dozens of pupils and staff to participate in communitybased science activities, he was a member of the school’s information and communications technology lead team, he coached cricket for a number of years and has been a regular on year 10 camps.
Principal Linda Miller said his greatest talent was in making science engaging and accessible to pupils.
‘‘He is a gifted teacher and a firm favourite in the minds of many students he has taught.
‘‘Just a week ago, one of his students from Greymouth High School days emailed him to thank him for choosing to teach at their school and inspiring so many of their classmates to pursue science.
‘‘There is no doubt that many of his students have gone on to careers in science as a result of his teaching and his encouragement.’’
Dr Phillips hoped to take the fellowship in mid2019.