A round-table mentoring experience for pre-service teachers

Scotch College Adelaide proposes to host a unique, interactive event that brings together middle and senior leaders from independent schools with pre-service teachers from a range of South Australian universities. Using a round-table or speed-dating format, this event is designed to provide early career educators with authentic insights, honest conversations, and real-world guidance from current school leaders.

A round-table/speed-networking session hosted in a relaxed but structured format, where small groups of pre-service teachers rotate through stations hosted by different leaders. Each leader will facilitate a short, 10–12 minute conversation on a specific theme or question related to leadership, teaching, or career development in independent schools.

Proposed Themes for Leader Tables

“What I Wish I Knew in My First Year”
“How Independent Schools Grow Teachers”
“Culture, Community, and Character: What Makes a School Tick?”
“Navigating Co-curricular and Pastoral Care”
“Why Relationships Are Your Best Teaching Tool”
“From Teacher to Leader: Opportunities in the Independent Sector”
“Applying for jobs in the Independent sector”
“Could boarding be for me?”

Event Details:

Tuesday 11th August, Term 3 Week 4
4:30 PM – 7 PM
Scotch College Adelaide – Purruna Newton Spencer Centre

4:30 PM – Welcome

Guests arrive
Official Welcome by Head of Teaching and Learning, Mark Goreham
Acknowledgement of Country and an inspiring opening message about the role of educators and the value of working in independent schools

4:45 PM – Round-Table Sessions Begin

6 rotations of 10–12 minutes each
Small group discussions led by middle and senior leaders across various themes

6:15 PM – Wrap-Up & Thanks

Closing remarks
Summary of key themes, encouragement for next steps

6:15–7 PM – Networking Opportunity

Informal mingling between leaders and pre-service teachers
Light refreshments and nibbles continue to be served

🚙 Parking will be available in the main carpark off Carruth Road.

For any queries, please contact Sarah Shoobridge shoobridge@scotch.sa.edu.au

Contact the host of Your Path, Your Future in Independant Schools