There is something very refreshing about being a teacher. Some jobs just roll on from year to year, not really changing very much, but that is definitely not the case in teaching! Especially in High School.
Every year we get to teach new classes, sometimes with new students, on a new timetable, sometimes in new classrooms, and sometimes with all new subjects and syllabuses. That’s a lot of new!!!
For someone like myself, it’s perfect. I have a pretty short attention span in general, and I need to constantly try new things to ensure I don’t get bored. I love teaching new content, trying out new ideas and assessments, and teaching students for the first time and seeing the amazing things they can do.
I think the kids enjoy it too. Each new year brings new challenges, new classes and can be a new beginning if the previous year wasn’t their best.
Due to Compressed Curriculum, this week is the start of our new year in High School. We rolled over into 2026 a bit early so there is enough time for the senior students to complete their HSC courses.
It’s really enjoyable to start a new year with only four weeks to go until summer holidays! Back in the day, the last few weeks were pretty miserable because everything is all done and there’s only so many times you can play games, watch a movie or clean the classroom. But now, everybody has a renewed sense of purpose and energy as they move into the new year.
Another very new thing for PCS is delivering our very own VET (Vocational Education Training) courses for the HSC.
I have been working hard behind the scenes over the past month to get ready to deliver a Certificate III in Screen and Media to a small number of students who have expressed interest in working in the Multimedia Industry in the future. While we have delivered VET courses before, this is the first that will also count towards the HSC.
If it is successful, PCS may one day deliver a range of VET courses, allowing students to not only get their HSC but an extra qualification to help them kickstart their careers and further training.
It’s an exciting prospect for our school, but there’s a lot more work that needs to get done before we can start rolling these courses out, so it will be a case of later rather than sooner.
But at least it’s something new for me to get into and stop me getting bored!
Happy New Year High School!
Greg
