Teacher Profiles - Australia

Kate Young

• Age: 26
• Address: Brighton
• Qualifications: B. of Primary Ed & B. of Music
• Work: Supply/long-term, primary/secondary and contracts like maternity cover
• From: Queensland, Australia
• School: Variety of schools in the Sussex area
• School: Variety of schools in the Sussex area

Why did you decide to teach in the UK?

Experience under a different educational system with a different curriculum and school functions, working with teachers who have undergone different training than that of my own and gaining quality experience and knowledge from experienced educators.

Traveling round Europe- I feel having vast worldly experiences and knowledge valuable to my own understanding of the world and place in it, living life to it's potential with knowledge and wisdom gained from experiencing many diff cultures and ways of life. This reflects in my teaching, the way I conduct myself and interact with peers and students and the way I convey information and teaching methods.

What kind of experience were you looking for and are you getting it?

Diverse and challenging! Working in a range of different schools (from the very disciplined to the VERY rough!), developing sound behavior management skills for both and for the different ages across the key stages. Developing a thorough understanding of the UK curriculum and being able to mix-and-match it's best aspects with Australia's.

How was your transfer to the UK?

Such a valuable experience I wish to teach in other countries round the world. Quite smooth, I have made life-long friendships which have sustained me and helped my personal growth.

What are you enjoying most?

The confidence that grows in my ability, through challenging and varying experiences. The knowledge which is built upon through these experiences to make a well-rounded, skilled teacher.

Top Tip?

Travel as much as you can and talk to as many different people and draw knowledge and ideas out of them. Keep an open mind, do not take things personally, try to explore as many ways of doing things as possible, always remain positive, be flexible, do not loose your temper and NEVER LET THE CHILDREN KNOW IF THEY'VE GOT TO YOU!!!