Westbourne’s next chapter
A warm Westbourne welcome to Dr Kristie Spence.
Dr Spence joins Westbourne Sydney at a very exciting time, as the college continues to grow its reputation for world-class academic excellence and a truly unique global learning network that supports talented young people to become the leaders of tomorrow.
A world-class STEM academic
Dr Spence brings a wealth of top-tier leadership experience and world-class academic expertise. She holds a PhD in Laser Physics from the University of Oxford, and a BSc Honours in Physics and Chemistry from Rhodes University.
She joins Westbourne Sydney from Pymble Ladies’ College, where her STEM leadership saw the founding of outstanding initiatives including the [EX]plore science conference in collaboration with Macquarie University, and a world-class Robotics programme promoting excellence in coding, mechanical design, and manufacturing.
Mr Mark Peters, Chairman of Westbourne College Sydney and the Westbourne International group of global schools, said:
“STEM excellence has defined Kristie’s career for decades. She understands first-hand the importance of elevating the classroom experience through university-level teaching and fully leveraging links with leading universities.
He continued:
“She is quite simply the perfect person to drive the next stage of development of our unique and ground-breaking college.”
Dr Spence said:
"Westbourne College Sydney offers a forward-thinking approach to excellence in education - leveraging the well-rounded curriculum provided by the IB and the focus offered through STEM. I am honoured and excited to take Westbourne College into the next phase of its journey. With my own personal passion for STEM and breadth of experience in STEM education, I look forward to working, both within and beyond the curriculum, to create a unique environment that nurtures and motivates Westbourne learners, and a suite of experiences that develop and hone the skills essential to excel in this field."
Spearheading global opportunities
Previously also Gifted and Talented lead at Queenwood School, Dr Spence has significant experience in developing extension opportunities for academically elite students in STEM.
She will ensure that students at WCS continue to gain access to the very best global learning and professional development opportunities, including growing existing Westbourne collaborations with the world leading INSEAD business school in France, as well as forging new partnerships with leading universities worldwide.
The inaugural WCS cohort has already taken part in Summer@INSEAD, a two-week MBA style programme in France, plus two global exchange programmes this year to study alongside their IB peers at sister school, Westbourne UK, called “one of the most consistently highachieving independent schools in Britain” (Sunday Times).
Promoting academic innovation
With a background in research and innovation, Dr Spence will work to shape WCS’ academic vision. Her outstanding research credentials include working in the Department of Physics at Macquarie University, where she was also Master of Education Lecturer in photonics, and in the National Medical Laser Institute at University College London, where she conducted postdoctoral research into optical treatment and the detection of cancers.
Dr Spence replaces Founding Principal Ken Underhill, who steps on to the board of Westbourne College upon his retirement after four decades at Westbourne.