Mr Shaun McCarthy

Life before Girton

  • 2000 – 2003 Bachelor of Education (Physical Education) at Ballarat University
  • 2004 – 2007 Boort Secondary College. Teacher of Outdoor and Environmental Studies, Maths, Science, Health and Physical Education. Sports Co-ordinator.
  • 2008 Eaglehawk Secondary College. Teacher of Health and Physical Education.
  • November 2013 – 2015, 2018 VCAA Physical Education Exam Assessor
  • January 2016 – Present Latrobe University. Course Co-Ordinator for Physical Education Teaching Method (EDU4PE), wrote curriculum and Course Co-Ordinator for Physical Education Secondary Curriculum 1 EDU4PE1 (online module), wrote curriculum for and Course Co-Ordinator for Physical Education Secondary Curriculum 2 EDU4PE2 (online module)
  • 2009 – Present Girton Grammar School. Teacher of Outdoor and Environmental Studies, Physical Education. Assistant Head of Frew (2014). Head of Health/ Outdoor and Environmental Studies/ Physical Education.

What I Love about Teaching
I love the interaction between staff and students each and every day. I love hearing about their successes, both in and out of school and developing strong relationships with the students. I love helping the students become who they strive to be and encouraging healthy pursuits and an active lifestyle.

At Girton Grammar School, I really appreciate the opportunity that I have been given to work with my caring, compassionate and enthusiastic colleagues. The culture of the school and those in the community is something that I am proud to part of.

What do you like best about the subject/s you teach?
With a genuine love for activity and a healthy, well balanced lifestyle, I love being heavily involved as a Teacher/ Head of Department for Physical Education. Having students living healthy and active lifestyles is a very important goal that I have and share with my colleagues.

One of the favourite parts of my job is to teach and work with my Year 12 Physical Education classes. Helping the students achieve what they want beyond their schooling tenure is something that motivates me and helps drive my enthusiasm. I love the maturity of the senior classes, the unique rapport and the professional nature of the interactions with these students.

My favourite classroom activity
There are a number of activities and experiences that I really enjoy. Spending time on camp is a great way to get to know the students on a more personal level. Sharing amazing opportunities together with the students is a highlight for me and one that I always enjoy and look forward to. I also enjoy the practical nature of the subjects that I teach, watching students participate actively and enthusiastically in a practical setting.

What difference can good teaching make?
Good teachers are valuable resources to students. Good teachers assist students not only motivating students to learn, but teaching them how to learn and doing so in a manner that is relevant, meaningful and memorable. It is about caring for your craft, having a passion for it and conveying that passion to everyone. Teaching goes beyond the classroom and helps guide responsible, independent, healthy and respectful young citizens. I believe, as students spend such a large percentage of their time at school, the teacher/ student relationship is critical in the development of adolescents.

Other Hats
I am currently involved in the basketball-curricular program, as the team coach of the Girton Moonstones. Working with the team, getting to know them and watching them developing their skills in this role, has been a particular highlight for me.

Outside of work, I enjoy living a healthy and active lifestyle. I still play football and thoroughly enjoy the experience. I have previously played in many completive competitions in a wide variety of different sports including basketball, tennis, cricket, volleyball and squash.

I love spending time at home playing with my three young boys and always look forward to family holidays, as well as catch ups with close friends.