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Stephen - 
Timetabler / Daily Organiser

Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

About the job

Main responsibilities

Devising and maintaining the college timetable for two campuses.

Looking after the day-to-day running of the college.

Senior Physics and Maths teacher.

Typical day

-Start work at about 6.30am.
-Check messages regarding absent staff
-Re-organise the day to arrange for internal and/or external cover for missing staff.
-Check duty rosters.
-Liaise with other senior colleagues regarding planned activities such as excursions and professional development for staff.
-Fulfil my teaching obligations to VCE Physics and VCE Maths.
-VCE is the Victorian state equivalent of the English A level.

What do I enjoy about my job?

Teaching in Australia really reinvigorated my love for teaching.

The pressures are less, there is no such thing as OFSTED (yet!).

The students are more receptive and teachers are still held in high regard by the community in general.

The excellent multicultural aspect of teaching in Australia is really interesting.

As above, I enjoy timetabling and being involved in the running of a college, or any establishment for that matter.

Challenging aspects

There is often a lot of pressure when staff absence is high to keep the college operational, but the satisfaction derived from seeing things still running well in difficult circumstances is very fulfilling.

Keeping students challenged at an advanced level of subject work can also be demanding, but, once again, is very satisfying.

Why did this area of work appeal to me?

I have a passion for teaching.

Even when I was an assistant Headteacher in England, I made sure that I taught roughly 50% of a normal teacher's load.

I thoroughly enjoy timetabling, and also have the logical thought processes to solve the day-to-day running of a college.

I also enjoy working closely with staff, and the Daily Organiser role means I work with a broad range of staff and learn their strengths and weaknesses.

Skills/qualifications I use in my job?

General organisational skills.

Logical thought processes.

In devising a timetable, lateral thinking rather than convergent thinking is often used.

The ability to liaise with a wide variety of staff at all levels.

Obviously educational skills such as knowledge of the subject areas and ways that make the material appealing to students.

Training I receive as part of my job

Back in the UK, I did do very intensive timetable training prior to the use of computers.

That was advantageous as I now know what the computer is trying to do for me.

I still find solutions to timetabling problems that the computer cannot see, and once I have learned how to manipulate the software, and make it do what it supposedly cannot so, then I really make progress.

I have been on recent courses dealing with new software for the job. Regular teaching / education courses are always made available as well as subject update materials.


Career information

Brief history since leaving University

Chemical Engineer,
British Steel Corporation,
Orgreave,
Rotherham.

Head Of Physics,
Holgate School,
Barnsley.

Head of Science and Technology,
St. Helens School,
Barnsley.

Assistant Headteacher,
Holgate School,
Barnsley.

Owner & Manager,
Observatory Cottages B & B,
Mt. Dandenong,
Melbourne,
Australia

Where do I see myself in the future?

My present role is very satisfying, demanding but very enjoyable. So, I will be more than happy to remain here at Emmanuel College in Melbourne teaching A level Physics and Maths, devising timetables and generally running the place on a day to day basis.

Don't ever want to retire!


Advice to students

My piece of advice to students

Be enthusiastic about education, demonstrate a passion for the job.

Be aware that it can be all-consuming, so have something else that will take your mind off work regularly. I play bass guitar in a classic rock band.

Show that you have a wide range of experiences that will enable you to relate to students. Try other jobs first perhaps. For a time I was an engineer in industry.

Other comments

I am still a very proud Yorkshireman and still miss the place very much.


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Last updated: 06 Sep 2017