Ocean, Curiosity & Courage – Ailsa Harris Inspires Future Scientists
Some teachers spark a lifelong love of learning the moment they walk into a classroom. For Ailsa Harris, Head of Science at Santa Maria College, that spark was lit decades earlier in the rock pools of South Wales.
This week, we caught up with Ailsa for a Q&A to learn more about what fuels her passion for science and how her journey led her to Santa Maria College.
What first sparked your interest in science? Was there a ‘wow’ moment in your childhood?
Yes absolutely – one moment that stands out vividly was during a family holiday. I was born in South Wales, and we visited the Gower coastline frequently. I remember spending hours exploring rock pools, completely fascinated by the ecosystems and marine life. I didn’t know it at the time, but that hands-on curiosity was my first real lesson in biology and ecology. It sparked a lifelong fascination with the natural world, and eventually led me to scuba diving, marine conservation, and teaching science.
What brought you from the UK to Santa Maria College in Western Australia?
I started my teaching career in Hampshire in 1993, before moving to a comprehensive school in South London where I gained invaluable experience working in a challenging but incredibly rewarding environment. I then spent 18 years as Head of Science at Teddington School. It was an incredible journey of leadership, growth, and innovation where I led a dynamic department that culminated in achieving an Outstanding rating in a science-specific OFSTED inspection, something I’m immensely proud of.
After nearly three decades in UK education, my family and I were ready for a lifestyle change, and Western Australia offered that perfect mix of opportunity, community, and natural beauty. Santa Maria College stood out immediately. Its values, vision, and strong sense of belonging aligned perfectly with mine, and I have loved being part of a school that not only values academic excellence but also holistic growth, for students and staff alike, in a beautiful part of the world. Western Australia’s lifestyle allows me to enjoy the ocean, volunteer, travel locally, and spend quality time with my family. It’s also been a place where I’ve felt empowered to grow professionally while staying connected to my passions. It’s been a privilege to join a community that is forward-thinking, values-driven, and committed to nurturing curious, capable young women.
What do you love most about being Head of Science at Santa Maria?
The students, the team, and the opportunity to lead with passion. I love working with such a committed department and witnessing the impact we can make on young women’s lives. Our Science Department is a vibrant and dynamic team of passionate educators, bringing together a rich blend of experience, fresh perspectives, and diverse life stories. From highly experienced teachers with decades in the classroom, to newly qualified teachers full of energy and innovative ideas, our team thrives on collaboration and shared purpose. This unique mix of personalities and backgrounds creates a supportive, creative environment where both staff and students are inspired to grow, explore, and succeed.
You have a passion for conservation, particularly the ocean. How does that influence your work in the classroom?
My love for the ocean runs through so much of what I do whether it’s scuba diving, snorkelling, or swimming year-round. I feel most connected and inspired when I’m in or near the water. That passion naturally flows into my teaching. I started a scuba club at Santa Maria, and over the past three years, more than 100 students have achieved their PADI certification. It’s been an incredible way to give them first-hand experience of marine environments and foster a deep appreciation for ocean conservation.
In the classroom, I link real-world issues like coral bleaching, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss to the science curriculum, making learning relevant and urgent. Through both theory and hands-on experiences, I aim to empower students to see themselves as future scientists, advocates, and changemakers for the natural world.
You travel around Western Australia often. What are some of your favourite places to explore, and why?
Western Australia has so much to offer, and I love exploring it, from the pristine waters of Ningaloo to the historic charm of Kalgoorlie and Albany. The towering ancient trees down south and some of the most pristine, white-sand beaches on Earth in places like Esperance. I have been fortunate to visit Broome, where the vivid pindan soil, pearl farms, ancient boab trees and fossilised dinosaur footprints etched into the coastline reveal the deep time and natural wonder of this extraordinary land.
I’m especially fascinated by regional and remote towns. There is a richness to their history and their communities really resonates with me. Visiting remote towns has deepened my appreciation for the experiences of our boarding students who come from country WA. It has helped me understand their backgrounds and the environments when they have been raised and I try to reflect this in the way I teach and connect with them in the classroom. Every trip adds another layer to how I engage with my students particularly those from rural areas.
I feel so fortunate to call this stunning part of the country home. It’s the perfect place for a nature-loving adventurer drawn to beauty, tranquillity, and meaningful connection.
However, Rottnest is my absolute favourite. I go at least 10 times a year. The island is stunning, peaceful, and full of marine life. These places connect me back to nature and fuel my creativity, whether it’s for classroom ideas or personal wellbeing.
Have your travels inspired any classroom projects or learning activities?
Definitely. I have visited 36 countries and hope to continue to explore more, especially given our proximity to Asia. Each experience broadens my perspective. Recounting stories from my travels helps students see how science connects across cultures, climates, and communities.
In the UK, I had the privilege of being part of a teacher exchange to India, an experience that was eye-opening and challenging, yet incredibly rewarding. We visited both government and private schools, and the contrast was striking.
There were moments of culture shock, from navigating crowded streets to adjusting to new teaching environments. The warmth, hospitality, and shared love of learning made it all worthwhile. This journey reminded us that great teaching transcends borders, and that sometimes, the most valuable lessons happen outside the classroom.
How do you connect science to real-world issues like environmental sustainability and marine conservation?
I integrate real issues into lessons, like marine plastic pollution, climate change, and sustainability challenges using local and global examples. I lead by example through volunteer work including, homeless charities and Lifeline WA, participating in beach clean ups and running charity events. This helps students to connect learning to life and see how science can support social and environmental change. I encourage them to take action, no matter how small, because their voice matters.
Which of the College’s student attributes or values do you most connect with in your teaching?
Compassion and critical thinking really resonate with me. I want my students to be thoughtful, kind, and courageous enough to ask big questions. These values guide everything from how I teach to how I interact with students and colleagues. I believe that by nurturing empathy alongside inquiry, we’re shaping future leaders who will use their knowledge for the greater good.
How do you help foster curiosity and critical thinking in your students?
We use current events, lived experiences, and real data to explore science beyond the textbook, creating safe spaces for discussion and debate. Encouraging students to question, wonder, and explore without fear is paramount in my classroom.
What’s something your students or colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?
They might be surprised to know that I undertake early morning ocean swims year-round. I am creative and enjoy making candles and jewellery in my spare time. I had my own Etsy business where I made flower crowns for weddings, handmade cards and jewellery. For or a bit of adventure: I’ve skydived from 14,000 feet in Queensland, cave-dived in Mexico, had a terrifying experience whilst white-water rafting in Costa Rica. I love skiing and am hoping to visit Japan in the near future. I like to keep life interesting.
When I was a young girl, the famous actress Catherine Zeta-Jones was in my dance class.
I’ve also worked behind the scenes at elections and volunteer my time for a number of different charities including Homelessness We Care, Lifeline WA and The Fremantle Soup Kitchen. I was especially proud of a backyard fundraiser that a couple of friends and I organised for Lifeline WA, where we raised over $17,000.
If you weren’t a science teacher, what would you be doing instead?
Something that blends creativity, people, and purpose, maybe running crafting workshops, leading snorkelling tours, organising community events, or planning group adventures around the world. I love bringing people together and creating experiences that make a difference.
Tea or coffee? Beach or bush? Lab coat or wetsuit?
Coffee in the morning.
Beach every single time (with a snorkel and scuba mask).
Wetsuit all the way, though I’ll always keep a lab coat nearby!
Ailsa brings more than knowledge to the classroom. She brings heart, purpose and a deep commitment to both people and planet. Her journey from the Gower coast to the labs of Santa Maria is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets purpose. Whether diving into coral reefs, debating climate solutions or discovering the magic in a microscope, Ailsa’s students are encouraged to ask big questions, think critically, and care deeply. And in doing so, they are growing into the curious, compassionate changemakers our world urgently needs.
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Ailsa.
- Featured, InspiringTeachers, MarineConservation, PassionateEducators, ScienceEducation, StaffSpotlight, WomeninSTEM
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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