People of Korowa

Pramana Tedjosiswoyo, Head of Science

It was during his time as a high school student that Pramana first decided he wanted to become a teacher, often helping his peers and younger friends to develop their understanding of what they were studying. As he progressed through his tertiary studies, he noticed that although he had an interest in pursuing a deeper understanding of theoretical physics, the sense of satisfaction gained through continuing to tutor and mentor friends and family in their studies outweighed a future in research. It was this, coupled with the realisation of the impact influential teachers have on the futures of young people, that his passion for the theoretical exploration of physical phenomena motivated him to inspire the next generation of scientists to develop their enjoyment and understanding of science. As Head of Science at Korowa, Pramana teaches Year 8 and 9 Science, Year 9 Challenge: Planet Earth (Science elective), Year 11 Chemistry and Year 12 Physics. ‘My aim in the classroom environment is to ensure that I am able to connect with each student, to make their journey through Science enjoyable and memorable regardless of the capability they perceive themselves to have in relation to the subject area.’ Stemming from his tertiary studies, Pramana has a special interest in assessment and the analysis of its data as well as embedding creativity into the curriculum. He enjoys assessment item design and being able to present problems which challenge students to think critically and creatively about the concepts they have learnt in order to solve complex, real world problems. ‘The learning community at Korowa, from all perspectives, is one where learning and development are valued. Both students and staff have the opportunity to explore their interests and develop their skills, knowledge and understanding experientially. It’s this love of learning, whether it be academic or co-curricular in nature, coupled with the pursuit of excellence in each individual’s own way which makes Korowa a great community to be a part of.’

Sharon Cox, Head of Outdoor Education

Sharon joined the team at Korowa this year in a newly created role as the Head of Outdoor Education, to oversee and further develop our experiential and outdoor education offering. As a Korovian herself, Sharon is passionate about providing opportunities for young people to connect with the natural world in ways they may not have experienced in their life before. After finishing at Korowa in 1996, Sharon studied Natural Resource Management and Environmental Science at the University of Melbourne, at both the Dookie Campus and Ormond College, spending her holidays working on farms and exploring the Victorian wilderness. The natural environment soon became a central part of her daily life. In the late 1990s Sharon began her career working and instructing in outdoor education, taking groups sea kayaking, sailing and bushwalking. In 2004 she first worked on the Korowa Trek as a Korovian and was involved in the expedition for eight years. With over 15 years’ experience working with the Outdoor Education Group, Sharon is excited about joining Korowa and overseeing the development and growth of the experiential learning component of the students’ journey through Korowa. ‘I am inspired by the students I work with. It’s affirming to witness people grow in confidence and develop their understanding of both themselves and the community they live in.’ Sharon believes it is challenge, change and community that will be a constant for these students. She is particularly interested in using outdoor and experiential education to build strategies which support mental health, in particular increasing students’ capacity to manage anxiety and depression to be able to cope with uncertainty and draw on internal strength. She is passionate about helping students understand what it takes to build and maintain a resilient, caring and kind community. ‘I am enjoying being back at Korowa. The students have an innate interest in nature and life outdoors, but some lack lived experience. I love seeing the curiosity and interest slowly erode the fear of the unknown as they gain confidence.’