School of Education
UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture is now 100K alumni strong. We spoke with some of our alumni who are making the world a better place. Here are their stories.
A fateful encounter
Bernard did not always have a natural inclination toward academia, but one lunchtime, his high school music teacher recognised his disengagement, handed him a CD and said, "Have you thought about music? ... Come back and have a chat." This small act showed Bernard the importance of nurturing potential and set him on a path to become one of the youngest school principals in New South Wales history.
Listening to that CD was a revelation for Bernard. The saxophone melodies of John Coltrane resonated deeply with him, even though he had no idea how to play the saxophone. He walked into his teacher's classroom for that chat and started saxophone lessons the following week. From that moment, Bernard went from a disengaged student to someone with a path and a direction.
School
Degrees
Bachelor of Education 1999,
Juris Doctor 2018
Current Title
Commercial Lawyer, Associate at Clyde & Co
Bernard playing saxophone – Image Supplied
And that came from that one interaction from a music teacher in a high school that took the time to say, ‘Hey!’”
Accessible education
Bernard's journey at university was made possible through UNSW's ACCESS Scheme – a lifeline for students who have experienced long-term educational disadvantage. The scheme allows individuals with lower entrance scores to access university. When asked about his options without the ACCESS Scheme, Bernard admits, "I don't think there would have been a huge number of options, to be absolutely honest". Reflecting on its impact, Bernard describes it as "fundamentally important and life-changing". It was one of those pivotal moments, a "sliding door" opportunity that opened the path to his subsequent achievements.
For Bernard, the combined Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education program represented an opportunity to give back and contribute positively, much like the kindness he received from his high school music teacher. While he initially grappled with the musical aspect of his degree, it was Dr Frank Murphy, a Lecturer in the School of Music, who, like his high school teacher, recognised Bernard's potential as an educator and offered a different perspective. "How about I support you in transferring to a full education degree? ... I can see you'd be an excellent teacher," he offered. Following this advice, Bernard excelled, and graduated second in his cohort.
Bernard’s Graduation Ceremony 1999 – Image supplied
Pushing for innovation
Unafraid of innovation, Bernard began to revolutionise the classroom by integrating technology. He spearheaded the use of interactive whiteboards, a move that initially left many perplexed. However, Bernard's vision transformed his school into a model for education in New South Wales, with interactive whiteboards eventually becoming a common fixture in classrooms.
Bernard initiated numerous educational programs throughout his career, including the highly regarded . This program focused on ensuring quality education and children's developmental growth from kindergarten onwards. It emphasised assessing and supporting students' progress, identifying areas of improvement, and delivering targeted interventions to help every student reach their full potential. The Best Start Program became a benchmark for educational excellence and was adopted across New South Wales, significantly improving student learning outcomes.
As Bernard looks to the future, he envisions a transformed landscape of quality education in Australia. His vision emphasises evidence-based teaching and equitable access for all students. He passionately advocates for the education sector to listen to high-performing teachers, and equip them with the essential tools, resources, and support needed to develop innovative teaching and learning methods.
Bernard during his role as Principal at Australia Street Primary School – Image supplied
Transitioning from classroom to courtroom
After years of making a difference in the education sector, Bernard felt compelled to broaden his scope of practice. As a principal, Bernard witnessed the legal system and family court's impact on a student's education and life path. Recognising the shortage of legal representation who could comprehend the educational perspective, he sought to bridge that gap. In 2018, he completed his Juris Doctor program, marking a significant shift in his career. Today, he is a practicing commercial lawyer in a prominent national law firm.
Bernard's unique journey from teaching to law has equipped him with a distinctive skill set. His experience as an educator allows him to communicate with clarity and empathy, which proves invaluable in simplifying complex legal concepts for his clients and empowering them in their legal processes. "As a teacher, you are dedicated to supporting young individuals as they learn to operate in society,” he says “Now, as a Lawyer, you're providing that same support, but in a different arena."
I thought, if nothing else, it would be really powerful to have a principal teacher with those skills to help guide families through that process.
Advice for students and alumni
In Bernard's view, teaching is more than theory; it is a nuanced craft. To truly grasp its essence, aspiring teachers should immerse themselves in the methods and processes of outstanding educators. He urges students to pursue opportunities like teacher's aide positions and participation in work experience programs before they embark on their teaching careers.
It's not merely about hearing about what they do; it's about witnessing these educators in action and appreciating the subtle, intangible ways they leave a lasting impact.
It’s not a matter of hearing what they do but experiencing their process firsthand.
Celebrating 100K Alumni
Join us in celebrating the achievements of UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture alumni like Bernard.
Learn about the evolution of UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture and meet the UNSW ADA Alumni who are making the world a better place.