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When Caroline Dixon first arrived in Kununurra, a small township 3,040 kilometres from Perth in the far-east Kimberley, it was only natural for her to feel a slight sense of anxiety and nervousness.

“Everything about the environment was unfamiliar. However, on my first day I knew I was going to enjoy my time there.  Everyone was welcoming and kind.  The community spirit was fantastic,” said Caroline.

Currently completing her Master of Teaching (Secondary) with the Faculty of Education, Caroline moved to Kununurra earlier this year to complete her practicum at Kununurra District High School.  Over the seven weeks, Caroline taught Years 8 through to 11 with classes ranging from 11 to 25 students.  She found the experience enriching and educational as a future teacher.

“I learnt from my practicum the importance of creating a safe environment for students both in the classroom and the rest of the school. Students should know and understand that when they come to school, they are safe to learn and to be themselves. I observed how the teachers at Kununurra District High School were able to create a safe learning environment for their students and how this positively impacted on their approach to learning. This is something I look forward to applying as a future teacher.”

Teaching in rural Western Australia and metropolitan Perth surprisingly did not have many disparities as one might have suspected.

“My teaching style didn’t change. In some aspects I had to adapt what I was teaching to be relevant to the context of the students.  That would be the case for any school you’re teaching in, be it remote or metropolitan.”
One aspect that Caroline had to get used to while living in this remote environment was the ‘visibility’ that comes with living in a small township.

“I saw my students out and about all the time. However, I didn’t find this particularly challenging as it’s a good way to get to know your students and for them to know you.”

“Living and learning in the country was a fantastic experience.  The main highlight was the people I met.  Being surrounded by such beautiful country and exploring a place I had never been to also gave me a new found appreciation for the Kimberly and the diversity of environments you can find in WA.”

Media references

Siaw Chai , Marketing and Communications Officer  +61 (08) 6488 2382