Meet a Teacher

Ms Sarah Siakew

Head of Humanities

Life before Girton

I attended Catholic College, Bendigo, and finished Year 12 in 1996. I completed my Bachelor of Arts at La Trobe University, majoring in History and Politics. I then completed my Postgraduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) at La Trobe University. After graduating, I spent two years teaching senior History at Ouyen High School. From there I moved to Adelaide and spent 17 years teaching History, Politics and English and continued my passion for studying. I obtained a Master’s degree in International Relations from Flinders University, writing my thesis on the role of international systems in conflict resolution. I have spent the past three years in Ballarat, teaching History at Clarendon College. 

What I Love about Teaching

I love seeing my students learn and make connections between theoretical concepts and the real world. I also loved being challenged by my students when they themselves have a strong, researched, and well-articulated argument.

Being from Bendigo originally, I have always held a strong desire to return home.  For me, Girton Grammar has always been a school that had a strong reputation for social justice, academic excellence, and great care for their students. Girton is a well-known institution in Bendigo and beyond and I am very excited to be joining a team of such committed educators. 

What do you like best about the subject/s you teach? 

The Humanities allows us to understand the world around us and strives to make the world a better place. It does this by drawing on our past human experiences and forces us to reflect on these from a human perspective. History teaches us both the mistakes and solutions to real-world issues and allows us the opportunity to reflect on what can be done differently or better.

By studying the Humanities, students will gain a real sense of cultural capital and see their role in our world’s future as one that can generate genuine positive outcomes. 

My favourite classroom activity

My favourite classroom activity is when the students action what we have learned over the course of a unit. I always thoroughly enjoy seeing them engage with experiential activities that bring to life what we are studying. 

What difference can good teaching make?

Successful students are curious; they question, and they inquire. They want to know about their world, and they are industrious. Successful students work hard, they are engaged, and they are happy. Good teaching plays an enormous role in establishing an environment where these attributes are fostered, and students can flourish. 

I hope my students benefit from my extensive experience and my passion for Humanities. I hope they develop an intrinsic motivation for success and a sense of life-long learning. 

Other Hats

I have been involved with coaching/managing netball teams over the years and debating programs. 

I have a real passion for foreign affairs and always like to keep up to date with all that is happening around the world. I love travelling and have been lucky enough to visit over 50 countries. My dream trip is to travel on the Trans-Siberian Express. 

I have been a member of the Essendon Football Club since birth and I am really hoping to see success sometime soon, although I am not holding my breath. I have a husband and a 6-year-old daughter who keeps us very busy.