Skye Bosnich

The aphorism “knowledge is power” encapsulates many of the aspects of teaching which I value in my pedagogy. I have always believed that education, be it within a formal institution or through lived experience, enables the individual to make considered decisions and gain access to opportunities. For the past 10 years, I have applied my love of teaching, travel and the Italian language, working in state, Catholic and International Baccalaureate schools in Melbourne, London and Rome. Within the classroom, my pedagogical content knowledge focuses on giving each of my subject areas a practical purpose. For instance, as an English Language teacher, I have always believed that students need to understand how discourse analysis gives them a critical lens through which to view the world. It is vital that all learning experiences not only provide students with theoretical knowledge and skills, but they also understand the broader purpose of these tasks. Furthermore, I also believe in game-based learning as a way of consolidating content. Particularly when it comes to the repetition required for English metalanguage or foreign language acquisition, students need to be provided with enjoyable and memorable tasks to boost their motivation. Beyond the sphere of theory, my role as a coordinator of Year 7 and 8 students (middle years) as well as teaching English and English Language at senior level has highlighted to me the importance of an individual’s wellbeing within the classroom. Students learn best when they feel supported - both by their peers and their classroom teacher. In part this comes from the establishment of clear parameters for one’s expectations in terms of standards and positive behaviour; however, I am a firm believer that rapport with students is the cornerstone to any positive classroom experience. It is simply not enough to know how students learn and the subject matter at hand; as teachers, we must seek to know the individual as best we can.

• Thought Leadership Series - Women in Leadership webinar, 01/01/25
• Knowledge Society Training, 01/01/25
• EAL Training and Networking Days, 01/01/24
• Galen Workshop - Explicitly Teaching Tier 2 Vocabulary, 01/01/24
• Galen Catholic Schools Conference Workshops, 01/01/24
• The Marist Way, 01/01/24
• Readers Workshop, 01/01/22
• MYP: Language and Literature, 01/01/21
• Training with Dr Jane Pollock, 01/01/15