Graduate story: Sarah Wray

Sarah Wray
Teacher, Armidale City Primary School (2011-2012)
Bachelor of Education (Primary), 2008

The fact that the Southern Cross University course offered practicum experiences in the first year of training was a big draw-card for me. As a visual learner, I wanted to get out into the field as soon as possible.

I completed practicums at a small state school, a large Catholic school, at the selective Hunter School of Performing Arts and finally at the Tibooburra Outback School of the Air, four hours' drive north of Broken Hill. It was the experience of a lifetime and I ended up staying for 18 months. It was amazing to learn all about the interactive/satellite technology. This experience changed me as a person and has instilled in me a passion for education in small remote schools.

The thought of going to a smaller university where the learning would be more intimate and personal was another major factor in my decision to study at SCU. My teachers were approachable and welcoming.

Lectures and tutorials shaped my understanding of what to teach and ideas on how to teach, and also helped me to explore the kind of teacher I wanted to be. However, the most valuable lessons were the ones I learnt first-hand on my practicums.

Studying for six months in Canada as part of an exchange program was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my studies, too.

Updated: 25 January 2013