Position: Co-Head of History
- How long have you been working at Clarendon?
I have been teaching at Clarendon since October 2018. I arrived in Australia from the United Kingdom just two days before I started working at Clarendon, so it meant my transition to Australian life and Clarendon life was a very quick one. - What does your current role entail?
My current role is Co-Head of History Prep-12 and I’m also the Year 12 Henderson House Teacher. I currently teach Year 12 History Revolutions alongside various younger History classes from Year 5 upwards. In my leadership role, I help to lead the team in the mapping and planning of our curriculum. I also support the team in using assessment data to identify the best practices within the department and disseminate this learning across the department. - Aside from your teaching role, what are some of the other roles you’ve undertaken or activities you’ve been involved in during your time?
Outside of teaching, I have been involved in running several co-curricular activities including the Senior and Junior Cricket program. My main role outside of teaching has been coaching the Senior Soccer First XI team. The joy that role has brought me is one of the highlights of my time at Clarendon so far. - What do you enjoy most about working at Clarendon?
I love the team that I work with. We have developed a strong camaraderie over the last few years. I think getting through the COVID-19 pandemic together has been a big part of this and I don’t think I have met a more selfless group of people. The kids are also fantastic. I have spent most of my time at Clarendon as a teacher and a House Teacher in the Senior School, and the relationships that you are able to build with the students is special and something that I think is unique to Clarendon. I also love the enthusiasm of the students across all year levels. History isn’t always everyone’s favourite subject, but the excitement that many of the students bring to the classroom is palpable. I will always remember how excited my Year 5s were earlier this year when I told them we were going to learn about Ned Kelly. They went bonkers. It was great! - What else do you like to do in your spare time?
I am a huge soccer fan. I will often be awake in the early hours of the morning over the weekend watching my team, Wolverhampton Wanderers, play. I like to stay active, so I play soccer alongside some other teachers in our staff futsal side. We are amateurs, but its good fun. I have also started running lately in preparation for a half-marathon in Ballarat next year. You’ll see me running around the lake a couple of times a week, usually with a history or soccer podcast on. Finally, I really enjoy travelling. I’m heading back home over Christmas, having not seen my family since September 2019, and I’m looking forward to exploring a few new places in Europe whilst I’m there.