Physics teacher and Head of Science, Ms Lesley Kaye, is helping redefine what a senior STEM classroom can look like, combining academic rigour, real-world relevance, and student wellbeing to inspire girls to thrive in Physics and beyond. Her innovative and research-informed approach to teaching has seen her recognised this year as an awardee for the Australian Educator Awards Senior School Teacher of the Year.
A former engineer, Ms Kaye brings authentic industry experience into the classroom, helping students connect complex Physics concepts to real-world applications. Her energetic teaching style, deep subject knowledge, and genuine care for students have contributed to consistently strong academic results and a classroom culture where girls feel confident to challenge themselves.
Passionate about encouraging young women into STEM pathways, Ms Kaye works deliberately to build curiosity and aspiration among senior Physics students. Her lessons are carefully structured to support deep learning, while also embedding brief mindfulness and focus practices that help students manage stress and perform at their best.
Her teaching is strongly research-informed. Ms Kaye holds a Master of Education (thesis) from the University of Western Australia, where she explored adolescent responses to mindfulness practices embedded into senior Physics lessons. She is currently completing a PhD at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), investigating sonic meditative states and their potential impact on attention and learning using biometric, quantitative, and qualitative data. Ms Kaye is currently collecting data with adults and Year 11–12 students through regular sound meditation sessions integrated into the school curriculum.
These insights continue to shape her classroom practice, supporting students to develop not only academically, but also personally.
Beyond PLC, Ms Kaye contributes widely to the profession through mentoring, university lecturing, and curriculum advisory work. She serves on the SCSA Physics Advisory Committee, and for more than five years, she has delivered annual lectures to graduate Science and Physics teachers at UWA, sharing practical strategies for effective teaching and student engagement.
Within the PLC community, Ms Kaye is known not only for her academic expertise, but for the calm, purposeful learning environment she creates for students.
