Ms Susie Bolt pursued a career in publishing before turning to teaching. As Head of English at International Grammar School (IGS) in Ultimo, her approach focuses on fostering an engaging and inclusive environment for students and staff.
WhichSchool?: When did you commence in your position/role at the school?
Ms Bolt: I joined IGS in 2014 as an English teacher. Since then I have been a Head of Year, Assistant Head of English and now Head of English for just over two years – which I love.
WS: What are the top three highlights you’ve experienced as a teacher at the school?
Ms Bolt: There are many! But the top three would be:
- Having the opportunity to work with such exceptional, vibrant, creative and collegial staff within the English Faculty and the larger school community.
- Participating in the SAGE program, especially witnessing Year 7 students flourish and innovate by creating their own Shakespearean plays, and travelling to Tasmania with Year 10 students to help them draw inspiration from the culture, landscape, and history to find their own voice through their creative works.
- Teaching students who are so intellectually curious, open, creative and willing to challenge themselves and support each other in their achievements and learning.
WS: What makes IGS different from other schools?
Ms Bolt: It is a really special school in its valuing of creativity, acceptance and independent thought whilst also maintaining high expectations and fostering academic excellence. Much of this can be seen in its traditions. Events like ArtsFest and International Day reveal some of these elements, where students are encouraged to write, perform, create and celebrate the arts, languages, culture, their achievements and each other. With the integration of students from Kindergarten through to Year 12, the school fosters a distinct atmosphere of belonging, softness and warmth. Students know each other across all year groups, and high school teachers run a daily vertical tutor group, further enhancing this aspect.
The school also has a particular urban setting. There is a sense of being in-the-mix and connected to the community. Activities, excursions and initiatives are able to utilise the surrounding parklands, markets, theatres, museums and galleries.
WS: Why is the school a great place to teach?
Ms Bolt: I love that a liberal, progressive education and open mindedness is fostered. It is also a school whose values are centred on diversity and acceptance and all of this plays out in the classrooms with teachers being able to explore the breadth and depth of their subjects with students. Students flourish in these environments and are able to extend and challenge themselves to develop, build confidence and achieve their best.
WS: What are some of the challenges faced by teachers in the primary/secondary sector?
Ms Bolt: Being a teacher is a unique role with many complex, layered and competing demands. It is what makes it so rewarding but also so challenging. I see an ongoing challenge with teachers in today’s educational landscape as they face increasing demands and try to balance these. But I have also found that a supportive and collegial work environment goes a long way to remedy this – for which I am grateful in my role at IGS.
WS: Tell us about your approach or philosophy to teaching?
Ms Bolt: As both an English teacher and Head of Faculty, my approach focuses on fostering an engaging and inclusive environment where students feel supported to succeed, and staff feel empowered to grow. I could wax lyrical about my subject, the beauty and power of language and the many ways I seek to connect students to the artistry and magic of writing. I seek to foster a critical appreciation for literature and create meaningful learning experiences that encourage critical thinking, creativity and real-world connections, tailored to the diverse needs of our students.
For my team, I focus on open communication, practical support and professional development that genuinely makes a difference. Streamlining processes is important to me, as it helps reduce unnecessary workload and allows us to focus on what matters most – teaching and learning. Ultimately, I’m committed to building a positive, collaborative culture where students and staff can thrive together.
WS: Did you have a teacher that inspired you? Tell us about them, and how they inspired you.
Ms Bolt: I was lucky enough to have a wonderful and inspiring English teacher in High School. She saw something in me which I had not seen in myself, encouraging my love of literature as well as giving me the confidence to hone my own creative voice. Essentially it was because of her that I allowed myself to give in to this love and build confidence in English. I went on to study an English honours degree, followed by a career in publishing and then later teaching. She taught me to simply pursue what I love and recognise the many forms this can take.
I remember in the classroom feeling so seen and encouraged by her – and fascinated by the texts we were studying and the way she could lead me deeper into those texts and ideas. I also remember writing a story that she read to the class. Although I was rather embarrassed at the time, it spurred me on and taught me an important lesson in sharing and celebrating achievements – something I always strive to do with my own students and staff.
