Our Teachers

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We know exactly what it takes to succeed in the HSC.

Matrix teachers train students to understand key concepts behind the theory, as opposed to memorising information. Matrix Theory Booklets help students to arrive at an in-depth understanding of the syllabus material.

Matrix teachers have HSC exam marking experience and/or extensive experience in writing assessments and exams, and thus they know exactly how to maximise marks in school and HSC exams. Our students are taught the most effective exam techniques. Matrix Work Booklets consist of various exam-style questions to help students practice these skills.

Through repetition and close monitoring, Matrix teachers ensure every student understands and masters all facets of the course content.

Note: Not all academic staff are shown.

Satha Umakanthan

Maths

Position:

Mathematics Teacher

Qualifications:

Diploma of Secondary Education

Bachelor of Science with pure mathematics, applied mathematics and chemistry major

Graduate diploma in information technology software

Experience:

Satha has been teaching Mathematics in NSW secondary schools for over ten years.

Why I love to teach at Matrix:

Satha feels that he has a lot to offer and it is rewarding to see that he can put across his ideas to the dedicated students at Matrix. The system in place at Matrix helps students develop good learning habits to achieve their personal best. Also as a teacher at Matrix he is looked after well.

Dr Alex Argyros

Physics

Position:

Physics Teacher

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Advanced Science (Hons)

Ph.D in Physics, University of Sydney

Experience:

Alex has more than 7 years teaching experience in total with late high school, early undergraduate students and supervision of honours and postgraduate students. He currently holds a Research Fellow position at the University of Sydney where his research examines the design and applications of optical fibres. Alex has also published over 75 papers published.

Recent Awards:

- 2007, The Australian Institute of Physics Bragg Medal for the best Physics Ph.D thesis in Australia

- 2006, The DuPont Australia and New Zealand Innovation Award

- 2005, The Australian Science Prize

Why I love teaching at Matrix:

Because it gives me the opportunity to interact with bright students and to present ideas and concepts that are new to them and that they hear from me for the first time. It’s very rewarding to see how they handle this new information and how they progress over time.

Nigel Kuan

Physics

Position:

Physics Teacher

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science (Hons), Physics major

Master of Teaching, University of Sydney (USYD)

Experience:

Nigel has approximately 4 years teaching experience in HSC Physics, Junior Science, and Junior Mathematics and is currently completing his Physics Honours and concurrent Masters of Teaching at the University of Sydney. He is an active member of the Sydney University Physics Education Research group and has developed teaching materials for high school and tertiary Physics topics. Nigel is also presented his findings from his participation in the Physics Education Research group at the last Biennial Science Teachers’ Workshop.

Awards:

- Master of Teaching Scholarship for Physics and mathematics Teaching

- School of Physics (Hons) Scholarship

- NSW Department of Education and Training Teaching Scholarship

- First to be offered to a concurrent Honours in Physics and Masters in Teaching student at the University of Sydney (USYD)

Why I love teaching at Matrix:

Matrix provides a great learning environment, with great technological innovation and extensive support for students. I enjoy teaching physics here, because the students are very responsive and motivated to learn new things. There are few things more enjoyable than fostering students’ appreciation and passion for physics.

Dr Alexandra Yeung

Chemistry

Position:

Chemistry Teacher

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science (Hons 1)

Master of Education Psychology

Ph.D in Chemistry Education, University of Sydney

Experience:

Alex has 5 years Chemistry teaching experience at a university level. She demonstrated for first and second year chemistry laboratories, as well as for Workshops aimed at high school students. She was also a Postgraduate Teaching Fellow in the recently redeveloped tutorial program which won a university aware in 2008. Alex has also helped the faculty of Science at the University of Sydney train new tutors and demonstrators.

Awards:

- 2008, Vice Chancellors Award, University of Sydney

- 2007, RACI Chemical Education Division best student oral presentation prize

- 2007, Le Fevre student lectureship, School of Chemistry, University of Sydney

Why I love teaching at Matrix:

Matrix provides a supportive environment conducive to learning. The small class sizes, quality teaching materials, great technological resources, and fantastic teaching team allows students to gain as much as they can from their learning experiences at Matrix. The students at Matrix are so enthusiastic and I love being part of their learning journey.

Dr Chris Stewart

Physics

Position:

Physics Teacher

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science (Hons)

Graduate Diploma in Science Communications

Ph.D in Particle Physics, York University, Canada

Experience:

Chris has 10 years teaching experience at secondary and university level Physics, science communication, and generic skills. He has presented in countless science shows for audiences ranging from day care centres to schools to community groups. Chris helped develop the Sydney University’s KickStart program for high school students, twice organised the prestigious Prof. Harry Messel International Science School, run training workshops for Physics teachers and was the Executive Director at Australian Science Innovations – the organisation behind the Australian Science Olympiads.

Award:

- 2004, University of Sydney Faculty of Science teaching Award

- 2000, Canadian Governor General’s Gold Medal for Ph.D research at York University

Why I love teaching at Matrix:

To really understand physics, students need to be able to think and discuss ideas in a friendly, challenging and supportive environment. The small class sizes, quality materials and dedicated team of teachers at Matrix provide such an environment, and I enjoy sharing my passion for physics with our enthusiastic students.

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