An International Prac

At St Mark's, we are privileged to host numerous practicum students who join our staff as student teachers, ranging from a few weeks to an entire term. Typically, our practicum teachers come from universities or TAFEs in Perth. However, this term, we have been excited to welcome Mr Jenson Beever, an international practicum student from the UK, to our PE Department.

Short and Sweet:

• Current role: Placement student / 2nd year of university
• Favourite subject at school: Physical Education
• Favourite sports team: Barnsley Football Club
• Music you’re currently listening to: Arctic Monkeys
• Superpower: Wish I could fly
• Weetbix or Cornflakes: Weetbix
• Vegemite or Bovril: Got to be Bovril
• Describe yourself in 3 words: Sporty, Caring, and lively

A Little Longer:

Tell us where you are from and the university you are currently attending.
I am from Barnsley in the United Kingdom and am studying at Sheffield Hallam University.

When did you realise you wanted to become a teacher and what characteristics have you taken from your own teachers into your classroom?
During lockdown, I realised how much of an impact teachers have on children's lives. I definitely took some characteristics from my teachers, such as the way I conduct myself around the classroom.

How has your experience as an overseas practicum teacher at St Mark's influenced your teaching approach to education?

Very positively, it will motivate me to work harder to achieve my dream career!

What are some key differences or similarities you've noticed between your home country's educational system and the practices at St Mark's?
Differences - The children have laptops in school; all we had were our school books! Also, the children are fortunate to be able to be outside doing PE. Along with this, the skills of ALL the students are a lot more advanced.

Similarities - The standards regarding uniforms and the work being done in the classroom

Can you share a specific teaching moment or activity that you found particularly rewarding or challenging during your placement at St Mark's?
It has to be the Walpole trip, an experience for which I am very grateful and will take it with me for the rest of my life. I saw some incredible scenery.
The challenge is the ongoing warm weather! I suppose it's better than rain!

In what ways do you believe your time at St Mark's has contributed to your professional development and growth as a teacher?
I feel as though working with the teachers at the experience end has made me a better individual, with the praise to the critique I have been given.

What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever received?
To push myself out of my comfort zone in coming to Australia to complete my placement. The unknown of the staff and how the School was run was very daunting. However, it is a great place, and the people are amazing.

What has been your favourite part of doing your practicum here in Perth?
Again, has to be the Walpole trip, along with going fishing in the middle of the ocean, to walking around Mindarie. I'm enjoying every second!