Senior School Education Advocate for Back on Track

For over three decades, I have dedicated myself to teaching. From the picturesque landscapes of Kununurra in the Kimberley region to schools in metropolitan areas, and even local universities, my journey as an educator has been very diverse.

I have had the privilege of teaching students ranging from year 7 to year 12, including those who are gifted as well as those who are at educational risk. I have also contributed to projects developing curriculum materials and resources to enhance the learning experience.

Choosing teaching as a career was driven by my desire to help others and contribute to a positive and functioning society. It is truly rewarding to guide young people, helping them think about and ultimately achieve their goals.

Given my diverse and extensive experience, it was a natural progression for me to become involved in the Back on Track WA program, helping children who have encountered setbacks and challenges in their schooling.

As an educator within the program, I am privileged to be a part of Marley Brown’s educational journey, providing support as he strives for academic success. Marley was the very first secondary school student to enrol in the Back on Track WA program and he and his family have a strong connection to the Child Cancer Research Foundation (CCRF).

Marley was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia when he was just 15 months old and has been an ambassador for CCRF for over 10 years now.  His treatment impacted his development at kindy and well into his early primary school years, making him an excellent candidate for the program.

In our initial meeting, Marley acknowledged his need for assistance in his HASS and English subjects. We discussed how he was fairing and, together, we set some achievable goals. Marley expressed his desire to improve his grades and achieve a solid ‘B’ in both subjects by the end of Semester 1. We examined the strategies he already had in place and discussed how he could improve or modify them for greater success. To assist with his organisation and planning skills, I created a daily checklist and a timetable that clearly outlined the due dates for all his assessments.

Marley’s school has proven to be an invaluable source of support, generously allowing him to meet with me on a weekly basis. During these sessions, we discuss and work on Marley’s assessments, ensuring an understanding of the requirements. We also engage in research whenever necessary. In cases where Marley has completed a written piece, I take the opportunity to provide feedback and help him edit it before submission. The sessions are flexible, and we work together to decide what is most important for that week and how Marley can meet his goals.

Kerrin, Marley’s mother, has observed remarkable positive changes since Marley joined the Back on Track WA program. Marley’s newfound confidence, heightened enjoyment of his studies, and improved grades in both subjects have been evident. This progress is a testament to the collaborative efforts between Marley, the support network within the program, and myself as his dedicated educator.

Guiding Marley and witnessing his growth has been a truly rewarding experience for me. Seeing children overcome obstacles and achieve their goals brings me great joy and reaffirms the significance of this program in transforming lives.