St Philip's Teaching School

Feel called to teach?

Teaching is an opportunity to shape young lives and live out your faith every day. The St Philip's Teaching School shapes future educators through a Christ-centred approach within a Christian community.

Training with us throughout your Bachelor of Education or Master of Teaching immerses you in the school environment from day one, with dedicated Christian Mentor Teachers, regular pastoral care meetings and 350 days of classroom experience across your degree.

If you feel called to Christian education, join us for our Online Open Evening on Wednesday 9th September, at 6pm AEST.

Register now at https://www.spcc.nsw.edu.au/schools/tertiary-education/teaching-school/enrolment/open-evening.

Last week, several of our Teaching School trainees played a big role in supporting the Dynamic Learning College Athletics Carnival. Each trainee helped the day run smoothly by encouraging students, building team spirit, and helping other staff members with tasks throughout the day. Moments like these are a great opportunity for our trainees to be immersed in school culture and build connections with the college community.

Called to Christian education? Apply now to train at the St Philip’s Teaching School where you will be formed and shaped as you follow your God-given calling.

Through the Teaching School, you will be immersed in the school environment from day one, with dedicated Christian Mentor Teachers, regular pastoral care meetings and 350 days of classroom experience across your degree.

Visit www.spcc.nsw.edu.au/schools/tertiary-education/teaching-school/enrolment to begin your application journey today.

Our graduates are each an important part of our Teaching School village. As they have been formed and equipped through the Teaching School, they also go on to nurture students and grow the future of Christian education. Chloe Cathcart graduated from the Teaching School and is now working at SPCC Port Stephens as a Year 3 Teacher.

Chloe shared that a phrase she learnt from her final mentor teacher was that, “we are all good at different things.” It has deeply shaped her approach to teaching. She wants her students to know that they are valued, capable and uniquely created by God.

We are grateful to Chloe and to SPCC Port Stephens for continuing to partner with us in forming quality Christian educators.

We are so thankful for our partnership with The King's College as we work together to form the next generation of Christian teachers.

It was an encouragement to witness the growth of our trainee teacher Raquel and to celebrate the mentoring provided by Mrs Barlow.

If you're considering a career in Christian education, we'd love to hear from you. Applications for St Philip's Teaching School are open now at https://www.spcc.nsw.edu.au/schools/tertiary-education/teaching-school/enrolment

“To be known is more than a name.”

Our St Philip’s Teaching School trainees gather every week in Connect groups to share stories, experiences, reflections and to pray for one another. “Connect makes connection possible. It places people with people in a smaller space. It’s not about getting rid of that joyful noise but making it heard by everyone.”

The Connect sessions are led by trainees within the Teaching School and we are grateful to the different Principals and School Leaders who equip our Connect Leaders through development sessions. Our Connect Leaders are being formed as leaders who hear from every trainee each week and pray for one another.

Find out more about Connect through Jackson’s article in the Third Space Newsletter https://www.spcc.nsw.edu.au/schools/tertiary-education/teaching-school/news/the-third-space-newsletter-term-2-2026

Tom Oyston is a valued member of our Teaching School community. He graduated from the Teaching School in 2024 and is teaching at Cedars Christian College.

One aspect of the Teaching School experience that Tom valued highly was the opportunity to be in a school from day one, watching real teachers and then doing it himself.

As his career has progressed, Tom has invested in the next generation of Christian educators by becoming a mentor. He has enjoyed watching his trainee grow in confidence and is encouraged by how well prepared his trainee is for the classroom.

We love seeing Tom flourishing as an educator and giving back to the community that helped shape his own journey. Thank you, Tom, for the important role you play in supporting and developing future teachers.

While our trainees are already immersed in school life from day one at the Teaching School, practicum offers something different. Trainees are invited to explore new classrooms, communities and styles of teaching.

A few key items can make a big difference for a block of practicum. Six of our trainees gave us a glimpse into their 'Prac Kit' and the things that supported them throughout their time in the classroom.

Our Teaching School community continues to grow as each new cohort of graduates joins our alumni network. Caleb Cugley graduated from St Philip’s Teaching School in 2021 and is now teaching at St Philip's Christian College - Port Stephens.

When he reflects on his time at the Teaching School, one piece of advice stands out to him: “Routines are everything. Lining up. Entering quietly. Starting with reading. A predictable structure gives students a sense of safety, and many rely on it even when they do not realise it.”

It has been a joy to see Caleb flourish as an educator. As he invests in the growth and learning of his students, he continues the Teaching School’s mission of shaping lives through Christ-centred education.

Behind every teacher trainee is a village, and at the heart of that support is the Teaching School Coordinator (TSC). These coordinators play a vital role across our partner schools, supporting trainee wellbeing, tracking progress, guiding mentors, observing lessons, and translating our shared model into the daily rhythms of a real staffroom.

Last term, nine coordinators came together to reflect on the role and help shape its future. What stood out was a shared commitment to protecting elements close to trainees including regular meetings, wellbeing support and close oversight of progress.

Their conversations have helped inform a refreshed role statement, ensuring this work remains sustainable and impactful for years to come.

Thank you to every Teaching School Coordinator across our network for the encouragement, care and dedication you bring to supporting the next generation of Christian education.