Preparing for the Future

Observations during my pre-service placement at Preshil

Sophie Maxwell

I have had the pleasure of spending the last month at Preshil for my teaching placement. I have taught Year 11 and Year 12 Psychology and observed a colourful range of different classes. My lasting impression is that learning is truly everywhere at Preshil and is not locked away in a restrictive curriculum or stale textbook. Instead, learning takes many creative, dynamic and active forms. For example, I’ve observed students make documentaries, build rocket ships, give TED talks (on a stage they also constructed), conduct complex scientific experiments, create models of their dream playgrounds, write short stories and engage in thought-provoking philosophical discussions.

Preshil students seem to thrive in this enriching learning environment. They seem like they have a close attachment to the unique and homely surrounds and seem very proud of their School. It was a breath of fresh air to see Preshil students rise to learning challenges and delight in the process of learning, rather than just fixating on marks and assessment. This has been in quite stark contrast to students I’ve taught in other schools, who seemed consumed by their next exam or their ATAR score. It has been truly inspiring to see Preshil students unravel complex concepts, embodying creativity and critical thinking beyond their years. 

I’ve loved my interactions with Preshil students and have particularly noticed how caring and community-minded they are. They are proud of their school community and grateful for their teachers. Indeed, most classes I observed concluded with students thanking their teacher for the class; a small but meaningful gesture which is a rarity in other secondary schools I’ve worked in! Preshil students also seem genuinely engaged in social justice. I was particularly heartened by the thought-provoking discussions I had with Years 11 and 12 about complex social issues like mental illness. I was quite blown away by Year 7 students’ protest songs about domestic violence and misogyny (songs which they composed and topics they chose themselves). We really can be confident about the next generation of problem-solvers and critical thinkers.

"It has been truly inspiring to see Preshil students unravel complex concepts, embodying creativity and critical thinking beyond their years." 

Finally, I’ve been very inspired by the staff at Preshil. Their collaborative approach creates an upbeat and supportive school climate. Their diversity in backgrounds and disciplines also makes Preshil an exciting workplace - and very useful for the lunchtime quiz! Preshil teachers seem like lifelong learners and model curiosity to their students. They have unconditional positive regard for their students and care deeply about their social and emotional development, as well as their learning. They made me feel very welcome during my placement and I have learnt so much from their progressive pedagogy. I’d particularly like to thank VictorToufas, who has been a wonderful mentor. He has shared many pearls of wisdom and been exceptionally generous with his time, help and advice. Overall, my teaching placement at Preshil has been a real highlight of my master’s degree. I feel very lucky to have had this insight into such a nurturing, creative and academically enriching school environment.