Staff Profile

Adam Chambers | Head of Clemes

How long ago did you join The Friends' School?

I have quite a long association with the school beginning as a Year 7 student in 1989.  I returned as a teacher in 2001, initially on a short-term contract as cover for a staff member who had had an accident and I'm still here 18 years later!  I've been lucky to be able to experience a variety of roles in my time - classroom teacher and tutor and Year 9 Co-ordinator in the High School before moving to Clemes initially to fill in as Dean of Students, then more recently TCE Co-ordinator, Deputy Head and now Head of Clemes.  

What are you excited about this year?

I find it particularly rewarding to work with such a close-knit team at Clemes. The diversity of the role of Head of Clemes is also something I enjoy as I get to work and interact with such a vast range of people including students, staff, parents and members of the community. One thing I'm really relishing so far this year is working with the Clemes Council led superbly by Amy Harris and Head Boy and Girl, Sam and Charlie! 

When did you know you wanted to become a teacher?

Learning languages for the first time in Year 7 really opened up a whole new exciting world for me. Although I had no prior experience or background, I was totally hooked thanks to some inspirational teaching. This planted the idea of studying to become a languages teacher. I find working with young adults particularly inspiring as they have so much optimism for the future and are often not as cynical about the world as adults. The most uplifting part is when students come back to visit as old scholars and you get to see how they are 'letting their lives speak.' 

Where is your favourite place in the world?

We often overlook how fortunate we are to live in Tasmania.  Although I've lived in and travelled to some amazing places around the world, it's hard to match the lifestyle and natural environment we enjoy here. 

Why Friends'? 

The thing I'm drawn to most at the School is its ethos. It is a really special thing that students at Friends' can be whoever they want to be and it's a place where everyone is embraced and feels respected. Clemes, in particular, has a very community feel about it. Our global perspective has enabled me to make life-long friendships from visits to our sister schools all around the world.  As teachers, we are really fortunate that the School recognises us also as life-long learners and I have experienced some incredible Professional Development opportunities in my time here. The skills and diverse backgrounds of the School's staff make it a very dynamic environment to work as the love of learning really permeates throughout the School. 

Who is your "hero"?

I have huge respect for those parents in our community, like my own, who place such value on their children's education.  My parents made many sacrifices to enable my two brothers and I to experience learning opportunities they were not able to. I think this is true of many of our current parents in the School community.