The Beyond the Line Program supports second and third-year Bachelor of Education and Master of Teaching students to travel with the department on an five-day study tour to experience teaching at selected regional, rural and remote NSW public schools.

This September, 48 pre-service teachers from tertiary institutions across NSW gathered together to venture to the Central West of NSW.

Each day, students broke off into small groups, visiting 24 public schools across the week. Thank you to the schools who welcomed the study tour participants and education support staff so warmly into their school gates.

From large regional schools with over 800 students, to small central schools in quaint towns, the pre-service teachers were given the opportunity to explore the vast educational settings that this region has to offer.

In the afternoons, students explored the hidden gems of each town and connected with local community members, visiting the Dubbo Observatory and journeying into the Beni State Conservation Area.

Lyndl, a secondary pre-service teacher studying at the University of New South Wales, reflected on the week stating ‘my experiences in each of the schools exceeded all my expectations. I was so inspired by the strength and resilience of these communities and how the emphasis on student support and wellbeing was tailored to the specific needs of the students. It was eye-opening to observe how the challenges in the community and diversity in the student cohorts weren’t used as a deficit, but a way to provide meaningful and lasting solutions for all students.’

If you know an eligible pre-service teacher who is interested in going Beyond the Line, encourage them to register their interest for upcoming study tours in 2025.