Brodie’s journey at Wyong High School is a powerful testament to how the Creating Chances Growing Great Teachers Program is more than just a career exploration; it is a life-changing pathway. A year ago, teaching wasn’t even on his radar, but this initiative has provided a purposeful way to develop world-class teaching talent from within NSW Public Schools.
Addressing a National Need
The Growing Great Teachers program was established as a strategic response to the uncertainties of near-future employment opportunities for young people. In 2024, the first iteration of this program expanded to include over 300 students across 24 high schools, creating a supported bridge from high school classrooms into education faculties at major partner universities.
We recognised that by strengthening the links between education and industry, we ensure graduates are agile, multi-skilled, and ready for work, be it the education sector or other industries. Building on the Growing Great Teachers learnings and success, we’ve launched Creating the Next Steps as a program offering in 2026.
The 50-Hour Transformation
At the heart of Brodie’s journey was a 50-hour practical workplace learning experience at a local primary school. This immersive phase allows students to move beyond the theory of the experiential learning paradigm and see the real-time impact of their leadership on younger students. For Brodie, this experience was a “masterclass in professional competencies”.
Mastering the Essential Job Skills
The curriculum utilises a structured framework to build essential job skills required for the modern workforce. Brodie’s growth in these areas highlights the program’s effectiveness:
- Communication: He has mastered verbal and non-verbal cues to ensure his primary students felt seen and supported.
- Teamwork & Problem Solving: Collaborating with mentors to achieve student growth and finding logical solutions to make learning “fun” were daily requirements
- Planning & Self-Management: Brodie learned to use “backwards mapping” and resource management to meet professional deadlines and deliver effective lessons
- A Learning Mindset: He embraced classroom management strategies and adapted to the diverse needs of every child, even utilising classroom technology to support interactive tasks
A New Identity: From Student to Leader
The impact of the Growing Great Teachers program is profound. Students like Brodie are no longer just learners; they are emerging professionals, leaders, and mentors. One participant reflected that they used to think teaching was just standing at the front of the room, but now realise it is about “connection, patience, and believing in people”.
For Principals, Wellbeing Teachers, and Career Advisors, our brand new Next Steps program proves that by “lighting a spark” in our students today, we are developing the inspiring educators of tomorrow.
Are you ready to see where 50 hours can take your students? Contact us to learn more about bringing the Creating the Next Steps program to your school.
