Mrs Maureen Wade

Your colleagues have given their time to go above and beyond – please give your time to celebrate that by making a nomination. It will show your appreciation whether they are awarded or not. I don't know who my nominator is, but the nomination displays a level of regard among those I have worked with for which I am thankful. 

I cannot remember when I first became interested in science, but my interest was fostered by my parents as a child. I still have the small microscope they bought me whilst at junior school and remember the books that were always in the house, the love of the outdoors and wildlife they instilled in us, my dad bringing things home for me that he had found like an old valve radio that I took apart, and my first chemistry set given by family friends. 

I was never the brightest in the class but loved school as a child, and teachers inspired me to continue studying. I had other jobs when younger but never felt fulfilled. After landing a job in education I knew I wanted to be where people are enquiring and learning. Being in education has allowed me to grow alongside colleagues and students. As educators it is important that we inspire our students through fun and relevant teaching so that they want to continue learning. 

Knowing that every day is an opportunity to make a difference, if only to one person. 

Go for it – you will not be sorry. It will be rewarding, you will meet interesting people, travel the world and can make a positive contribution to the future of mankind. 

Our students inspire me with their enthusiasm and their delight when engaged in practical work. I get the biggest buzz when a student knocks on the door to proudly show me their book. Only today I had a 'high five' with a student who had previously struggled but was now grading 4 at GCSE – wonderful! 

The world is full of ongoing issues, and a good science education equips students with a whole toolbox of transferrable skills with which to meet those challenges. By making school science relevant to our students, it helps them see themselves as global scientists. The Victory Academy this year introduced a new topic highlighting local science e.g. Sir John Cornforth’s work on statins that won him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. 

Chemistry touches every part of our lives; a chemistry education helps us understand the world around us. I believe those with a good understanding of chemistry have the ability to improve the future for the coming generations.

In my career, receiving this award and being able to celebrate with family, friends and great work colleagues, without whom this would not be possible.
In my personal life, seeing our children achieve their dreams. 

The biggest challenge has been making my way back to a career I love after two significant breaks, one to care for family and the second to recover from a serious illness. It is important for people to believe they still have something to offer, whether returning after a break or coming late to the party. 

Chemistry is pivotal in providing the skills needed to solve world problems and making improvements to our everyday lives, from addressing the challenges of plastics, food production and pollution to pharmaceuticals, fuels and nanotechnology. 

Great teamwork can create an environment that nurtures students’ ability to reach their full potential. It involves support for each other and everyone feeling that their contribution, no matter how small, is significant and matters; that they have a voice. Of course, it should be remembered that students are also part of the team and that they should be afforded the chance to play their part to ensure successful outcomes. 

I would not have the career I have had without Tim, my husband of 43 years who has given support throughout in many ways, from driving me to various events to shopping for school practical work. I am grateful for the support of colleagues at The Victory Academy and Thinking Schools Academy Trust. They have given me the time and resources to innovate and leave to attend conferences, and shown respect for the role of technician. 

Carbon is my favourite element. Crucial for life, narrator of earth’s history and exists as compounds in all three states. I believe knowledge of carbon chemistry could hold the key to our climate issues.