MEET THE TEAM @ SCSC
Year 9 Office
Each fortnight we will feature mini staff bios to help our community get to know more about the dedicated staff team we have at Surf Coast Secondary College. This week we have our Year 9 Office.
Abbey Speed
What did you do before teaching?
I studied Exercise and Sport Science at university while working in a primary school co-ordinating a before and after school care program.
What subjects do you teach?
Year 9 FUSE (English and Humanities), Health and PE and Year 8 Indonesian
Why do you love working at SCSC?
I love how many opportunities the students have to engage with the wider community. Which in turn allows me as a teacher to grow and gain many different skills.
Aaron Hocking
What did you do before teaching?
Before teaching I worked as an actor for an Educational Theatre Company and for the Commonwealth Bank as a team leader in various departments.
What subjects do you teach?
I currently teach Year 9 FUSE however, I am also qualified and have taught Media Studies.
Why do you love working at SCSC?
I love working at SCSC because I believe it is a truly collaborative supporting environment. Every educator at SCSC’s ultimate focus is student achievement and it is only through our collaboration that we can reach that goal. Our team understands that collaboration is not a task to complete then move on, it’s an ever-changing, ongoing process that is only enhanced by social networks, new technology and the capacity to have fun at the same time.
Bronwyn Jennings
What did you do before teaching?
I first completed my Science degree and then a Teaching degree. Whilst at University I worked in hospitality and then as a personal carer.
What subjects do you teach?
Year 9 Maths and Science and Year 12 Further Maths.
Why do you love working at SCSC?
I get to work with great staff who are passionate about teaching and learning.
Madeline Wright
What did you do before teaching?
I was a personal trainer, receptionist and a nanny
What subjects do you teach?
Maths, Science, PE and Health
Why do you love working at SCSC?
I love working at SCSC because of the community vibe amongst staff, students and families.
Jessica Rowbottom
What did you do before teaching?
I went from high school to university and back to school as a graduate teacher at SCSC in 2015. During my years at university, I worked in hospitality, administration at SML Law, and at the YMCA in Outside Hours School Care.
What subjects do you teach?
I teach Year 9 FUSE as well as Year 12 English. This is my sixth year teaching Year 9 and second-year teaching Year 12. I enjoy having a mix of senior and middle years.
Why do you love working at SCSC?
I love teaching at SCSC because I learn from my students as much as I teach them (if not more). I strongly believe in being a lifelong learner, and I love the fact that every day is different and I get to be creative in my approach. I love feeling part of the SCSC community – getting to know all the students, their families, and the staff.
Amy Snow
What did you do before teaching?
Before teaching I went to school and university. My undergraduate was Psychology and then went into teaching at the age of 22, so this is my 17th year of teaching and I still love it.
What subjects do you teach?
This year I am part of the Year 9 FUSE team where I teach English, Humanities, Futures and SURF. Other subjects I have taught in the past are Psychology, Legal Studies, Food Tech, Music, Drama, Maths, PE and Health.
Why do you love working at SCSC?
I love having an impact on young people in the community where I live. It is important for me that my two children grow up with well rounded young people in our community as their role models. I have taught at a number of schools during my career and SCSC is one of the best due to the students, staff and the leadership of so many. I look forward to encouraging my own children to attend SCSC when they are older.
Lolita Fierro
What did you do before teaching?
Before teaching I worked with teenagers in out-of-home-care in NSW for 15 odd years.
What subjects do you teach?
I teach psychology and Year 9 Maths and Science.
Why do you love working at SCSC?
I love the kids and the community vibe.
Jenny Lambert
What role do you have at SCSC?
My role at SCSC is Education Support; this year I support Year 9 students in their learning and development. Equally, the students contribute to my continual learning and development.
What do you like about working at SCSC?
Every day I arrive at SCSC is akin to delving into a box of Cadbury Roses Chocolates, “you never know what you are going to get”. Conversations with students and colleagues cover a vast breadth of topics, often intriguing and rarely dull.
What other professional roles did you have before working at SCSC?
An Educator for 35+ Years: Teacher of Physical Education, English and Accounting, Assistant Principal, Acting Principal, Monash University Lecturer and Outdoor Educator in Australia, UK & USA.
British National Mountaineering Centre Instructor: Rock climbing, white water kayaking and canoeing, skiing – downhill and cross country and mountain guide.
Co-Owner of White Water Kayaking, Canoeing and Rafting company.
Army Reservist, bar staff (in a traditional Welsh pub), gym manager and ski school manager.
*Being of mature years, I have had plenty of time to amass a diversity of experience!