31 Jul 2020
West Wyalong High School is currently hosting two Pre-Service teachers from Macquarie University in Sydney. We are able to offer hands on learning experiences to further the capacity of our future teachers. Our supervising teachers have been impressed by the dedication, confidence and well-rounded teaching ability that both Maddy and Amanda have shown.
Attached is a brief interview with Amanda Yousif and Maddy Arthur, they provide an insight into what it’s like to teach in a rural setting and their best experiences in coming to West Wyalong High School.
Amanda Yousif
1. What university are you studying with?
I am currently studying at Macquarie University back in Sydney.
2. What course are you studying? What year are you in?
I am in my final year and currently studying a Bachelor of Science with a Bachelor of Education (secondary) degree.
3. What is your favourite part of working at WWHS?
Honestly this school is very unique in many ways, but mainly because it has become a favourite of mine. The warm nature of the teachers and students and how welcoming they all are is probably what stands out to me most. The potential in students that I have seen, across all years, is immense. It’s been great to put my years of studying into practice and hopefully shape their education further.
4. Are you enjoying the rural teaching experience?
Yes, I am loving teaching at West Wyalong High School. One of the reasons I chose to do my placement here was to understand and get an insight into rural education compared to Sydney schools. In saying that, I can note that it has given more experience beyond my years and I have learnt so much.
Maddy Arthur
1. What university are you studying with?
I’m studying with Macquarie University in Sydney.
2. What course are you studying? What year are you in?
I’m studying a Bachelor of Arts with Bachelor of Education (Secondary) to become an English and History teacher. I’m in my fourth (final) year of full time study.
3. What is your favourite part about working at WWHS?
This is such a hard question! The school community has been so welcoming towards me, I feel really comfortable with the staff and students, and I feel like my voice as an educator is valued. There’s not a single day when I haven’t walked into school and had a plethora of people ask how I’m going and genuinely want to know the answer.
4. Are you enjoying the rural teaching experience?
I am loving teaching here because I feel like I can form deeper relationships with my colleagues and students, and every lesson I teach has a real impact. I have lots of room to grow and develop here, and I really enjoy the relaxed and friendly atmosphere within the school. I think I’ll be making the rural move permanently after this experience.