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Tuesday, 29 November 2016

Kassie Cubitt is an amazing individual. Driven and dedicated to achieving her goals she is an inspiration to those around her and to her students.  Born and raised in Albany, Western Australia by her English father and Filipino mother Kassie had a boisterous and fun childhood.

Going to University and getting a degree had always been a goal for Kassie however tragedy met the family when she was just 11.  After undergoing surgery to remove a tumour Kassie’s mother was left severely brain damaged.  Unable to complete her high school education Kassie spent the next few years working to support her family.

In 2010 she began her undergraduate degree in History and English at The University of Western Australia in Albany.  This was a challenging and emotional time for Kassie who worked three jobs while also completing her practicum.  Doctors had also informed the family to prepare for her Mother’s immediate death several times.

With the support of her family, friends and teachers she completed her Bachelor of Arts in 2013.

While completing her undergraduate degree an English tutor at UWA introduced Kassie to the coordinator of the “Follow the Dream” programme in Albany Senior High School.  Kassie volunteered her time to the program helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students in their learning. Follow the Dream is the most significant secondary school retention programme for Indigenous students ever to be implemented in Western Australia and is currently being delivered to approximately 800 high-achieving Indigenous students in nine metropolitan and 15 regional centres across Western Australia. The programme helps Indigenous students to set their sights on challenging options and to take the necessary steps to achieve their goals. Kassie’s’ experiences from this programme influenced her decision to become a teacher.

“I witnessed those moments students have when something just clicks and they begin to understand a concept they’ve been struggling with. There is something special about those moments and to be part of them is rewarding. This inspired me to pursue teaching,” said Kassie.

In 2013, she enrolled into the Master of Teaching Primary at UWA Albany Centre.

“As a teacher my experiences have been challenging but at the end of the day, knowing that you’re having a positive impact on someone’s learning make it all worthwhile.”

“Every student comes with their own context and every student is capable of learning if you take the time and are given the time to provide for their educational needs.  High expectations and responsive teaching is needed for all groups of children.

Kassie was one of six students to complete the Master of Teaching course with UWA in 2015.

To find out more about UWA’s postgraduate teaching courses or Follow the Dream program please visit:

www.education.uwa.edu.au or Follow the Dream webpage

Media references

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

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