Feature
The group of us: Game Plan Coaching In this feature of Torch, usually titled ’The two of us’, we highlight some of the many dynamic duos in our community – or, in this case, a dynamic dectet! Former Carey teacher Jimmy Drossos began Game Plan Coaching in 2019 with his friend and adolescent psychologist Yiorgo Sgourakis. They have since employed no fewer than eight like-minded Carey alumni and another Carey teacher to support VCE students through one of the most tumultuous periods of their education.
My name is Jimmy Drossos and I’ve been teaching VCE students for over 15 years, with over half of that time spent working at Carey. During this time, I’ve seen a growing number of students become increasingly stressed as they try to achieve their goals when completing VCE. It’s really heartbreaking to witness students unravel at such a critical time in their education because of the pressure and anxiety they feel.
I
decided I needed to help. I developed a range of coaching programs that guide students on how to become independent and resourceful learners. Developing soft skills such as effective planning, organisational skills, managing stress, building relationships and implementing feedback are core pillars of academic success and maintaining positive wellbeing. As I wanted these programs to guide students how to effectively manage stress, I decided to ask my long-time friend Yiorgo Sgourakis, who is a psychologist and school counsellor, for his expertise. Essentially, we wanted to give students a game plan to help them succeed at school and later in life; and hence, in 2019, Game Plan Coaching was born. Optimal academic performance is achieved when students develop efficient learning systems, learn to
26 | Torch
Carey alum, Game Plan coach and Methods Webinar Co-ordinator, Isaac Buratto (2014, right) in a coaching session. manage stress effectively and maintain positive wellbeing. With an intimate understanding of the student learning experience, Game Plan Coaching programs guide students on how to develop these skills that will not only help them navigate the challenges of school but ultimately the rigours of life as they become better equipped at managing themselves independently.
