Passion for programming ignites

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about teaching programming to both students and teachers,  unlocking hidden potential in learners with special needs and getting more girls into computing. I think technology has the ability to make our world a better, more equitable place. It also has the potential to do the opposite, so we need more people with a humanist perspective  on technology.

“I think technology has the ability to make our world a better, more equitable place. It also has the potential to do the opposite, so we need more people with a humanist perspective  on technology.”

What would you say is your favourite area in the technology department?

Definitely attending MakerSpace on a Friday afternoon in the Design Centre. It’s so amazing to see what our students put their time and energy into when no one is asking them to or grading them. There is always a flurry of activity and I love the creative ideas our students have.

Recently you presented at the PyCon Australia Conference in Adelaide, tell us about that!

Python is a programming language. It’s the best learning language that allows for the addition of new functionality in whatever you’re designing. I have been a teacher of programming for some time now but that doesn’t make me a developer. I took a chance this year and applied to talk at the Python Developer’s Conference on an idea that I had for a project. It was a bit of a long-shot. My idea was to use code to analyse the linguistic complexity of pop song lyrics. I did not expect it but I got accepted!  I had to work really hard and build the project in Python. Then I presented my idea to the big room at PyconAU which is the Australian Python Developer’s Conference in August this year. It was an amazing experience!

What is the future of the SACS Technology department?

We are an amazingly diverse department with tonnes of subjects that appeal to all the practical interests that St Andrew’s Cathedral School students have. We are looking forward to continuing to punch above our weight in the HSC, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the various competitions we enter throughout the year. We also look forward to upgrading our spaces in the near future to do an even better job of supporting our students and their learning.