Quality teaching inspires University Medallist

Wednesday 14 February 2007

Inspiring high school teachers who were good role models motivated University Medallist Andrew Myles to follow in their footsteps and embark on a career in teaching.

Graduating this week with a Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Arts from the University of Newcastle Ourimbah campus, Mr Myles said he wanted to give to his students the same school experience he had.

"My teachers at Umina High School were always supportive and said that with hard work and dedication people can do anything they put their mind to," he said.

"I hope that I have the same impact on the students I teach as those who taught me."

Mr Myles is currently teaching in a casual capacity at local schools and plans to head overseas to teach English as a second language in Europe.

Mr Myles' academic achievements have been recognised through the awarding of the only University Medal to be presented to students graduating from the Ourimbah campus at a graduation ceremony on Friday 16 February.

A University Medal is awarded to graduates that have a consistent record of exceptional academic achievement at all levels of a Bachelor's degree program and qualify for a Bachelor's degree with First Class Honours.

Around 500 students marked the completion of their study at the Ourimbah campus at the graduation ceremonies. 295 are graduating from university programs, 185 have completed TAFE courses and a further 29 are graduating from the Central Coast Community College.

Photo opportunity:

Andrew Myles will be presented with his University Medal during a ceremony commencing at 2pm on Friday 16 February 2007 in the Fine Arts Centre.

9.30am - Education and Arts Graduation Ceremony (including all TAFE and Central Coast Community College students), Fine Arts Centre

2pm - Education and Arts Graduation Ceremony, Fine Arts Centre

4.30pm - Business and Law, Health, Science and Information technology Graduation Ceremony, Fine Arts Centre

7pm - Recognition of Attainment Ceremony, Newstep and Open Foundation, Fine Art Centre