Meet our Heads of Learning Areas

In the last edition of LutherLetter we met three of our nine heads of learning areas: Sharyn Taylor OAM (Head of The Arts), Nick Stefanac (Head of Technologies) and Lynn Payne (Head of English). This edition we complete our introductions with our Head of Health and Physical Education, Head of Christian Studies, Head of Mathematics, Head of Languages, Head of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Head of Science. We are so proud of this incredible leadership team and hope you enjoy meeting them and hearing about the wonderful experience they bring to Luther College and the plans they have for the future.

Iain Dickson Head of Health and Physical Education

In his own words.

I am the Head of Health and Physical Education also known as HPE, this also includes Outdoor Education Studies. These areas contain more than meets the eye, as we work to provide a safe and engaging area for students to enhance their own and others’ health, fitness, and wellbeing.

The Physical Education component gives students a dynamic foundation for lifelong physical activity and sound preparation for an active, healthy lifestyle that will stay with them long after they leave Luther. The Health component aims to equip students’ with the skills and knowledge to lead productive, creative, healthy lives that are relevant to their needs and interests.

Our popular Outdoor Education subject pushes students out of their comfort zone where they can experience the beauty of this incredible country with multiple field trips throughout the year. In Years 9 and 10, students can choose one elective as a pathway to VCE Outdoor and Environmental Studies (OES), Health and Human Development (HHD) and Physical Education (PE).

Tell us a little about yourself.

As a young man in Glasgow, I played professional and semi-professional football (you can call it soccer but it’s football!) while I completed my first degree in Physiology and Sports Science. In my final year I published my thesis in the Journal of Sports Medicine. After university, I suffered a severe injury and decided to travel the world, which saw me coaching in Europe and the USA. It was during this time I discovered how much I loved the interpersonal connections and impact of working with young people, so with that I went back to the UK and completed my post graduate qualification in education. I have been teaching for eighteen years, eleven of which have been at Luther College. Sport and exercise have given me so much in my life and even though I’m no longer that young man I was, I am still excited and passionate to help other young people discover the benefits of a physically active and healthy lifestyle.

And your goals for the HPE program?

My goal, along with the rest of the HPE team, is to give every student a safe and engaging place where they feel included and confident to try new sports and activities. If we can help shape young people who know and understand the benefits of an active lifestyle and how it can benefit their future, then my job is surely done!

Recent proud moments?

I am very proud to be part of a fantastic team of teachers who work so hard, and work so well collaborating with each other, for each other and for our students. They make my job so much easier, and their attitude and work ethic is the best I’ve seen of any school I’ve taught in. I am also proud of the team for achieving a 50 score in PE, HHD and OES last year.

What are you excited about?

I am excited about further developing the HPE area to ensure we continue to provide innovative and rigorous programs that help students flourish. I also want to guide staff and assist them to navigate new VCE study designs, while also coach and support

Fav book

Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh

Fav movie

The Shawshank Redemption

Fav Food

Indian or Chicken Balmoral

Fav travel destination

The west coast of Scotland….only when it’s sunny. Which is never!

Best advice you have received new and younger staff with the demands of teaching. Finally, I am excited to work in partnership with my team to continue to achieve phenomenal results and study scores across HPE and OES.

Don’t worry about where you’re going, we are all going to end up in the same place. Enjoy the journey.

Fav thing about working with young people?

Every day is different, plus they always say or ask something that surprises me or makes me laugh which is great.