Staff in the Spotlight

Sub School Staff in the Spotlight 

Throughout terms 2 and 3 we will be spotlighting our Middle and Senior Sub School Teams giving our school community the opportunity to find out more about who they are, why they became a teacher/leader and what they love most about their jobs!

This week we are spotlighting Andrew Biggs.

Andrew joined the Senior School Team last year as a Year 10 Year Level Leader and moved with his student cohort into Year 11 Year Level Leader this year. Andrew is very proactive in his approach to supporting the Year 11 students by celebrating outstanding learning growth, attendance and behaviour. Most Thursdays you’ll find him in the Senior Centre encouraging Year 11 students to attend VCE Boost to talk with teachers and study in small groups. Andrew is a highly valued and respected member of our dynamic English team and is teaching Year 11 English Language this year.

How long have you been teaching?

Two years

What is your role in Sub School?

Year 11 Year Level Leader

Why did you decide to become a teacher and/or leader?

After a career in software sales I wanted to do something more meaningful than hitting a monthly quota, something that I could be unambiguously proud of.

What is the best thing about teaching and/or working in the subschool team?

Working in the subschool team exposes you to so many students you usually wouldn't get the chance to build a relationship with, which means you can help more students and feel more deeply involved in the school community.

What has been one of your best teaching moments?

Seeing a serially disengaged student land a full-time apprenticeship and having him follow up with me six months later to check in.

What are three things your colleagues and/or your students would say about you?

I don't mind a chat and a laugh, I need to sort out my writing on the board, and I get (maybe too) passionate about ancient Rome.

What is the weirdest or strangest thing that has happened to you?

I was camping deep in the Snowy Mountains at a remote campsite, and woke up to fresh footprints in the mud that were definitely not there the night before. 

What is your idea of a perfect weekend?

An overnight hike into the high country to catch and cook some trout. For a city weekend, I'm looking for a round of golf, a woodworking project, a few hours of reading and a nice steakhouse date with my partner.

If you could invite 5 people to a dinner party, who would you invite and why?

Julius Caesar, Mary Beard, Ricky Ponting, Rickie Fowler and Andrew Marlin. 

What is the one piece of 'advice' or the one thing that you always say to your students?

I hope you get what you deserve.