When Aengus Drake-Harris (BEd(Sec),BHlthSc ’21) first began his teaching degree at Flinders University, he never expected to end up settling down in a rural community. Now, he and his partner Gemma, also originally from Adelaide, recently bought their first home together in Mount Gambier and have moved in with their dogs Maggie and Poppy.
University Life and Learning
Aengus credits his time at Flinders with preparing him well for the realities of teaching.
“I remember doing a course on the different stages of development for students,” he shares.
“That’s been really useful, especially in middle school classes where the range of learning experiences is so broad. Students’ readiness for learning can vary markedly due to trauma, neurodiversity, or other developmental issues. So, that understanding of development stages really comes into play in ways I didn’t anticipate.
“We were taught all through the degree that ‘differentiation’ is important and what differentiation actually looks like in practice. It’s not about making more work for myself as a teacher, but developing assessments and materials that are flexible enough to meet the needs of all students. That’s something I apply daily in my teaching now.”
A Taste of the Country Life
For his final-year placement, Aengus wanted to experience what it would truly be like to teach in a rural school.
“I was awarded an Andrew Thyne Reid Scholarship which helped make the placement possible by covering my accommodation costs, which made a big difference financially,” Aengus says.
“Living and working in Naracoorte gave me a real taste of what country life is like, and I loved it. Plus, I was able to build some great connections that have made the idea of moving to the country feel much more doable.”
The Sliding Door that led to Mount Gambier
While Aengus had sparked an interest in teaching at a country school, a pending knee surgery and the possibility of expanding on part-time work he was already doing in outdoor education kept him in Adelaide following university graduation. Then COVID impacted both his elective surgery and his work in outdoor education.
“I was twiddling my thumbs a bit, wondering what to do next when I got the job offer in Mt Gambier, and I thought I’d have a go,” he says.
Aengus now teaches Digital Technology and Health at Grant High School in Mount Gambier, a regional area in South Australia, not far from Naracoorte where he did his final placement. While some may shy away from rural placements, Aengus has embraced it.
“The process of getting here was incredibly easy,” he explained. “The Department of Education supported the transition for me, from providing subsidised rental accommodation to getting me settled.”
He’s found the regional community to be a perfect fit. “Mount Gambier is the ideal balance between a small town and a city,” Aengus explains. “It’s got everything I need, and it’s all within five minutes. Plus, the cost of living is much cheaper than in the city, which is great.”
He’s also built a strong social network with other teachers who moved to the area. “It’s amazing how many people are in a similar situation. A lot of us are away from family, so it’s nice to have a community of people who share that experience,” he says.
Shifting Gears into Technology
While Aengus started his career intending to focus purely on teaching Physical Education, Grant High School already had a large contingent of sports teachers. With the need to diversify, he found himself pivoting towards digital technologies.
“I didn’t anticipate I’d be teaching digital technologies,” Aengus admits. “It’s a bit of a jump from Phys Ed and Health, but I really enjoy it.”
With this new focus on teaching in the digital tech space, Aengus has returned to Flinders to undertake a Undergraduate Certificate in Mathematics.
Inspiring the Next Generation
“Why do I love teaching? The flexibility and creativity are huge for me!” Aengus says.
“Every day is different, and I can continue to challenge myself and try new things. I also love having in-depth conversations with students about things that are interesting or relevant to them.”
As for those considering a career in education, Aengus has some advice: “If you’re thinking about studying at Flinders, go for it. The way they run their education program is excellent, and the placements give you real insight into what teaching is like early on. And if you’re considering teaching in a rural area, don’t be afraid to take the leap. It’s been an incredible experience for me.”