Staff Spotlight

My name is Joshua Banks and I have been teaching at Cecil Hills High School since Term 2 of 2020, just as the first Covid lockdown began. 

I am in my fourth year of teaching.  My main subject to teach is Modern History and Junior History. However, I'm also able to teach, and have taught in the past, PDHPE and Geography. 

My roles at Cecil Hills High School

Currently, I have a few major roles at Cecil Hills High School.  My main one is obviously being a classroom teacher, where I'm teaching Modern History (Year 11 and Year 12) and History (Years 7 to Year 10).  

My other role, and one my favourite aspects of being a teacher, is that I am the Year 7 Year Adviser for 2022 with Ms Zaidan.  One of the most important things that we can do as teachers is have an impact on students who need support.  Welfare can be one of the most difficult, but most rewarding parts of our profession and I am greatly looking forward to welcoming the Class of 2027 next year with Ms Zaidan.

Other schools I have worked at

Previously I worked at Erskine Park High School where I taught History, Geography and PDHPE.

My school days

I went to school at the first school I taught at, which was Erskine Park High School. I think a lot of teachers get an initial start in the school they were once a student! I loved my time there and learned a lot in a familiar environment, but I'm glad to have spread my wings to end up at this amazing school - Cecil Hills High School!

What I like doing when I'm not working

I have a few things I like to do when I escape from work.  I love to watch my NRL team, the Newcastle Knights, and anyone who knows me:  this is one of the few things that I don't miss out on and I don't multitask during a game. I'm very passionate!  

I also love to play board games with my friends, read a book or catch up on some of my favourite TV shows.

Favourites

I'm sports mad and pretty much follow most sports. The main team I support is the Newcastle Knights who (fingers crossed) will pull a Steven Bradbury and win the 2021 Premiership. I also follow New York in the NBA and The Vikings in the NFL.

I have been able to water ski since the age of 5 (my parents own a boat) and this is one of my favourite things to do!

My two favourite movies of all time are 'The Dark Knight' and 'The Prestige' , both directed by Christopher Nolan.  If you haven't seen these movies, I would highly recommend them.

Defining success

I define success by how well we are able to come back when facing adversity. It's not always how high can you climb, but how high you bounce when you hit bottom.

My advice to students

Life can get really heavy sometimes and that's okay. It's okay to not be okay, but always remember that there is someone out there that cares very much about you and is here to support you. Whether it's a friend, a family member or a teacher, always try and speak with someone, life isn't as heavy if you have someone to help you carry it.

Who would I like to be for a day?

Batman. If you can't be yourself, always be Batman.

Random facts

Inflammable and flammable mean the same thing. Mind blowing.

If Hollywood made a movie about me, who would I choose to be cast as me?

Christian Bale.

Lastly

 I'd like to share with you my two favourite quotes:

'We fall so that we can learn to pick ourselves up'  and 

'Work hard in silence, let success be your noise'.