Andrew Thomas – Associate Director, IELTS Principal Examiner & Examiner Trainer, Cambridge Examiner

I’m one of the many SELC contributors to the English Australia Journal (EAJ) and for 12 years was the EAJ Reviews Editor.  I now divide my time between SELC and IELTS, as I am Principal Examiner and Examiner Trainer for the Sydney IELTS test centres. Having represented SELC overseas for many years, I’m well known to agents and former students in many parts of the world. As SELC’s Associate Director I’m active in a number of areas of the school and I particularly enjoy my role in IELTS test preparation, in Study Tours and teaching students squash on Friday afternoons!

Hilary Denholm – Head Teacher

Hi, I’m Hilary and I’ve been working at SELC since 1995! Before joining SELC I spent several years teaching and studying in Japan, and I’ve also learned French and recently started studying Spanish, so I understand how difficult it can be for language learners sometimes.

I’ve taught on all the different programs that we offer at SELC. I’m also an Oral Examiner for the Cambridge Speaking Exams, which means that I can give students useful advice for the exam!

I’m now Head Teacher at SELC, so I get to meet all the students and help new students to settle in. It also means that I liaise with all the teachers and other staff to make sure that things run smoothly and that students and teachers are happy. This gives me lots of variety in my job, and that’s great!

Bert Colombi – Student Welfare Officer Teacher Activities Coordinator

Hi my name is Bert Colombi. Originally from England, I emigrated to Australia 6 years ago where I found a job at SELC and have been successfully employed here since. In addition to my normal teaching days, I work as the school’s social organiser – organising a variety of events for students including; Student Welcome Parties, Harbour Cruises, Sporting events (rugby, soccer, AFL games, Cinema nights -watching the latest blockbusters), Dinners at restaurants around Sydney.

I also accompany students on Excursions (e.g. Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, Surfing weekends) – so the students have a point of reference at all times.

On a more serious note, I am the Student Welfare Officer and help deal and hopefully resolve any problems students may have be it with homesickness, travel arrangements, banking problems, or if students just generally want to talk and relax. Through all of these aspects of the job I regularly come into contact with students and marvel at how lucky I am to be in such a rewarding and fulfilling job, meeting people from all countries and cultures and being considered as a friend and confidant by them.

Outside of school my interests revolve around sport – playing and watching as much sport as possible and also a secret vice – chocolate!!!! I can’t get enough chocolate.

So I look forward to meeting you if you come to SELC – my door is always open for you to say

Bill Robb – Business English Coordinator

I am a teacher of Business English and my students do interesting topics like case studies and power-point presentations. I am also a Cambridge Exam preparation teacher, and I have been a FCE oral examiner.

I have been teaching for 17 years, mostly in Sydney, and only in schools that I regard as being of a high standard such as SELC.

I also taught in Japan for two years, and this is where I gained most of my business experience as I taught English at many of the top Japanese companies. I have only recently started at SELC and I find it a nice environment to work in, and the facilities are excellent for both teachers and students.

In my free time I like exploring Sydney. Going for walks and enjoying the café and restaurant culture it offers.

Robert Smith – Teacher & A-V Coordinator

After completing theatre studies in Australia, I travelled extensively in North America, Europe, India and Asia. The cross-cultural experiences I gained during this time were invaluable to me when I started my English teaching career in Eastern Europe four years ago. My passion for film and theatre (both as an actor and director) as well as my love of sports have enabled me to make a special contribution to student life at SELC.

I have taught English at all levels, as well as Cambridge, Business and test preparation courses. In addition to my teaching, I currently manage SELC’s library, computer labs and educational technology. At SELC, we have a wide range of resources for our Independent Learning Centre, with sub-titled DVDs and audio readers being particularly popular with our students. Most of all, I enjoy taking students to sport on Friday afternoons and mixing with them at our social gatherings. From my own experience overseas, I know this is an important part of their learning experience in Australia.

Daniel – Teacher

My name is Daniel I grew up in small town in the north of England and came over to live in Australia in 1997.

Before teaching I did lots of different jobs including waiter, travel agent, personal assistant to an interior designer and events organizing.

I started teaching almost five years ago, and since then I have taught in London, Sydney, Barcelona and Bilbao. Throughout this time I have gained experience in almost every field of ESL teaching including Cambridge, EAP, TOIEC, Business, Film studies, and High School Preparation.

Now at SELC I am currently teaching two First Certificate classes. I have studied Spanish in Spain, and so I understand what it feels like to be in a foreign country trying to live with the language.

I think Sydney is a wonderful place to study and work, I think the food and climate and the beaches make it one of the best places ever! SELC offers more than just study, with organized team activities, barbecues, parties and outings. This helps make an English student’s experience of Australia much more comprehensive and enjoyable.

Gemma – Teacher

I first started teaching at SELC eight years ago. In that time, I have taught on a variety of courses including General English, Cambridge Preparation and English for Academic Purposes. I have also taught in London and Dublin and I am currently doing a Masters in Adult Education.

I have always been interested in language, communication and people, so teaching is a great way to combine all of those interests. It’s also incredibly rewarding. It’s great to watch students make progress and to be part of that progress. It also keeps you on your toes…no two days are ever quite the same.

What I love best about my job is the people, students and teachers alike. It’s great to work with interesting and motivated people. I love hearing about my students’ backgrounds and their plans for the future. They are at an interesting point in their lives and it’s nice to share in that experience.