Grammar Gazette- Issue 2, 2010

WOMEN

…only three sciences are now provided – Zoology has been recently omitted – perhaps this is only a temporary measure on account of Staff shortage on the science side. Some girls do Physics at the Central Technical College. No Physics work is done up to junior stage, girls having to face the heavy task of overtaking the senior standard in two years. Groups are small and work is done in a section of the fine Chemistry Laboratory. Apparatus is being suitably augmented gradually. Chemistry is a full subject in both Junior and Senior. There appears to be a good blend of theoretical and practical work. Physiology is done by over one hundred girls. Facilities are, in general, quite good. Additional microscopes would enable more effective observation work to be done. Where noted practical books are neatly compiled… During the 1960s and 1970s, there was increased interest nationally in the teaching of Science. This was a time when world events saw great advances in Science: Sputnik (1957), the launch of the first man into Space (1961) and the Moon Landing (1969). Overarching this, however, was the willingness of the Commonwealth Government to unleash monies for the building of dedicated laboratories so that teaching of science would produce students, capable of matching their international counterparts.

SCIENCE OF

1896

ELEANOR BOURNE

With medals in Botany and Ancient History in the University of Sydney examinations, Bourne graduated with distinction in medicine and surgery and was one of the first female doctors appointed to the Brisbane General Hospital.

Photo: John Oxley Library

1914

JOSEPHINE MACKERRAS (BANCROFT) Awarded a scholarship to attend The University of Queensland where she graduated with a B.Sc. in 1918 and a M.Sc. in 1930. Bancroft excelled as an entomologist and parasitologist and accepted a position at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research. Today, the Josephine Bancroft Prize for Biological Science is given to the top student in Year 12. PHYLLIS CANNON Phyllis Cannon boarded from 1940-1943 and held the position of Head Boarder. After completing a Physiotherapy degree at The University of Queensland Cannon was appointed to Cairns Base Hospital before travelling overseas to continue her work. On her return she took up a position with the Queensland Spastic Society and the Mater Hospital. Cannon bequeathed funds to establish a scholarship awarded to the student matriculating to the Science Department of The University of Queensland. MARGARET BULLOCK AM (ROBERTS) Appointed Foundation Chair of Physiotherapy at The University of Queensland. Professor Bullock became a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1997 for service in the field of Physiotherapy, particularly as a research leader, academic and administrator. She also received a Centenary Medal in 2001 for service to society in material technology and biotechnology.

Mabel Josephine (Jo) Mackerras (1896 - 1971), by Nora Heysen, 1945, courtesy of Australian War Memorial.

1943

1950

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