Get to know the teachers!

Did you know Calrossy has 86 academic staff who are responsible for teaching, supporting and mentoring more than 1000 students. From Prep to Year 12, in class, learning support, the library and often behind the scenes our academic staff are dedicated to the wellbeing and academic growth of your child. What has become clear during COVID-19 is that a Calrossy teacher is willing to go the extra mile, they care not just about the success of your child but also their happiness. Many of these teachers are also achieving accolades beyond Calrossy. We have teachers who are HSC markers, Nationally Certified as Highly Accomplished teachers and National Presenters at conferences in their specialty. Many of the Calrossy teachers are also coaches from sport to speech across all the years. So we thought it was about time you got to know some of them better!

Introducing James Forsyth

James Forsyth works in Secondary in the HSIE Department as a teacher of Geography (7-12) and Society and Culture (11-12) and has been a valued member of the Calrossy team for six years. He currently is teaching Year 11 Geography and Society and Culture, Year 12 Geography and Society and Culture, Year 8 Geography and a Year 10 Geography.

Mr Forsyth has been recognised outside of the classroom for his teaching expertise and has a number of other academic commitments;

• 2017/2018 HSC Marker for Geography.
• 2019 Speaker at the AISNSW Geography Conference. Presenting on the HSC Stage 6 Geography Syllabus.
• 2019 An assessor for the Independent Schools HSC Trial Geography Paper.
• 2020 Part of the Independent Schools HSC Trial Committee, contributing to the HSC Trial and Preliminary Papers.
• 2020 AISNSW Convenor for Geography, which entails the following;  Convening the Geography Professional Learning Advisory Committee; Involved in professional learning programs for Geography; Coordinating the AISNSW Geography Conference in conjunction with AISNSW consultants.
• Represent the AISNSW as a stakeholder with organisations such as NESA and ACARA.

But don’t just take our word for it… what do the students have to say about Mr Forsyth!

“Well where do I start. Mr Forsyth is one of the most, if not the most, dedicated teachers I have ever been taught by. No matter what the task is, he always has the student body in his best interest. His ability to go above and beyond for his students is unbelievable.” Mitch Watts – Year 12 (Geography and Society and Culture)

“Mr Forsyth always goes above and beyond, (especially for his fav senior geo + society classes), to ensure everyone is achieving to the best of their abilities and having an absolute ball while we're at it. I always look forward to my classes with him (most days I spend half my day in his presence) as its always guaranteed to be a good time with a good mate. Legend. 

If all my teachers or role models in my future are even half as caring, considerate, funny and helpful as Mr Forsyth, I will be a very happy and lucky person.” Emma Parry – Year 12 (Geography and Society and Culture)

“Learning with Mr Forsyth is always fun and engaging! Every lesson is unique, we are constantly learning new content and skills. He always provides resources and information that is relevant and engages us as teenagers. In relation to Assessments and module guides, he allows us as students to explore content individually and according to our interests. Geography has become one of my favourite subjects, knowing that help and feedback isn’t far away. Overall, Mr Forsyth is always enthusiastic and supportive, creating a happy learning environment, to thrive in.” Mia Thompson - Year 11 (Geography)

Now let’s hear from Mr Forsyth

Why did you become a teacher?

I became a teacher as there was one particular humanities teacher that I had in my senior schooling that really inspired and encouraged me to follow this career path. She was such a passionate and enthusiast teacher, which was infectious and that is where my love for the humanities began. She was an individual that demonstrated genuine care towards her students all wanting them to succeed. It is a privilege to be involved in adolescent’s lives in some of their most critical and formative years. 

The best part about being a teacher?

Teaching is a dynamic profession encompassing diverse roles and there is never a dull moment, and this is what makes it so interesting in my opinion. I love fostering a passion for the humanities, providing students with the skills and knowledge to be actively informed citizens about contemporary economic, social and environmental issues that face the world. It is exciting when students question, think critically and deeply about the issues that face society. Teaching is a very rewarding profession, as I love seeing the academic growth of students who have been so diligent and conscientious having a strong desire to succeed. The strong relationships and mutual respect that is forged with senior students is something that is truly very special. I have been very fortunate to have taught some inspiring young people that I still follow their progress now even after they have finished school in their chosen professions and still check the odd university assessment for them. 

What’s the best lesson you’ve ever taught?

I don’t think there is ever a perfect lesson. However, I think the best lessons are when there is relevance to students providing cotemporary and real-life examples, which improves engagement. Also learning in the field definitely improves student outcomes and understanding, as students can physically see the concept you are trying to explain. This is very apparent when HSC Geography conducts its NESA mandatory fieldwork at Lady Elliot Island.

What’s the worst lesson you’ve ever taught?

There were a couple of lessons that I taught with the 2018 HSC cohort that were very interesting in my Geography and Society & Culture classes.

1. In my HSC society class we were studying non-conformists in society and looking at music artists the lesson soon diverted into a dance off and sing off.
2. One of my students purchased a budgie and it made its way into my class. I taught with a budgie on my head for the entire lesson.

What advice would you give a beginner teacher?

You have chosen a very important profession that can be very challenging and demanding with 1 in 3 leaving the profession within the first 5 years. However, hang in there it is achievable I have made it. I would encourage to do the following:

• Find a mentor/s that can provide advice and guidance
• Be organised and prepared
• All you can do is your best
• Build rapport with your students
• You are not expected to know everything this will develop overtime

Anything else you would like to say?

Building a strong rapport with students in my opinion is a key ingredient to successful education. 

Keep your eye out for the next newsletter when we shine the light on one of our Primary teachers.