Our Teachers

Katherine Harvey

Maths

Position: Junior Mathematics Teacher

Qualifications: BSc, Dip. Ed (USYD); Bachelor of Fine Art (National Art School)

Experience: 14 years Teaching experience in Secondary Maths and Science: Co-Author of Matrix Education Junior Mathematics programs, course materials and assessments; Author of trial remediation mathematics program, Macarthur Girls High School 2005

Why I love to teach @ Matrix: Good students, lovely environment, high
quality teaching opportunity.

Dr Malcolm Green

Chemistry

Position: Chemistry Teacher

Qualifications: BSc Advanced (Hons, Geology), PhD (Chemistry)

Background: Malcolm is a geochemist interested in environmental chemistry and has previously worked as an environmental consultant. He has a strong background in a wide range of analytical chemical skills. He has worked on a series of projects ranging from gold-copper mineral exploration in western NSW, large scale environmental agriculture where application of materials includes controlled release herbicides and pesticides, passive security and finally nanotoxicity and nanotechnology. As a research chemist, Malcolm has published two patents in the field nanotechnology.

Experience: As a teacher, Malcolm has taught a range of scientific disciplines including maths, chemistry, geology and physics at secondary level at various institutions including TAFE, as well as geology and chemistry at tertiary level at University of Sydney. Malcolm’s passion for teaching and laboratory demonstration of Chemistry is highlighted by his experience with laboratory teaching to advanced undergraduate chemistry students. He also helped rewrite and revise laboratory work in Inorganic chemistry in undergraduate teaching laboratories at the University of Sydney.

Awards: Grand Prize Winner Innovation Challenge, 2006; “Dreams to Reality”, University of Sydney; University Postgraduate Award in Industry Scholarship for postgraduate study, 2002-2005

Why I love to teach @ Matrix: Malcolm enjoys working at Matrix teaching enthusiastic students to explore chemistry. He also enjoys the opportunity of imparting the skills for greatest subject of all - Science.

Nigel Kuan

Physics

Position: Physics Teacher

Qualifications: B.Sc. Hons. (Physics), M. Teach (Sydney)

Background: Nigel is completing his Physics Honours and concurrent Masters of Teaching at the University of Sydney. He is passionate about physics education and as such has been the first to pioneer the concurrent Masters and Honours program. 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.

Experience: Nigel has over 3 years of teaching experience in HSC Physics, Junior Science and Junior Mathematics. He is an active participant in physics education research, presenting his findings at the last Biennial Science Teachers’ Workshop. Nigel has significant experience writing physics learning resources, having written materials referenced in published papers as well as published materials online.

Most Recent Awards: NSW Department of Education and Traning Teaching Scholarship, first to be offered to a concurrent Honours in Physics and Masters in Teaching student at the University of Sydney, Golden Key International Honour Society.

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.

Luke Escombe

English

Position: English Teacher 

Qualifications: BA (Hons) in English and Theatre, University of Sussex

Background: Luke moved to Australia in 1999 after finishing his studies in the UK. Since then he has been an active member of the Sydney arts scene, as a songwriter, performer and writer.

Experience: Luke has been teaching high school and junior English for two years. Previously, he worked as a private tutor at undergraduate level. As well as teaching English, he conducts workshops in songwriting, creative writing and performance.

Why I love to teach @ Matrix: Matrix’s superb resources and ambition for constant improvement create the perfect environment for someone who is passionate about teaching.

Chloe Sato

Biology, Chemistry

Position: Chemistry Teacher

Qualifications: B.Sc. Hons., MTeach (Sydney)

Background: Studied at the University of Sydney for the past 7 years, completing Honours in arid zone ecology and a Masters in Teaching. Chloe’s research in teaching focuses on identifying teaching strategies and student activities that facilitate improvement of student critical thinking skills in science.

Experience: Chloe has been tutoring HSC students since 2002 in biology and chemistry, and more recently has become involved in the School of Biological Science activities at Sydney University including first year biology demonstrating and marking, gifted and talented and Kickstart laboratories, biology bridging courses and International Science Schools.

Most Recent Awards: Haswell Prize for Biology, DET Teaching Scholarship, Sydney Grammar Teaching Scholarship

Why I love teaching at Matrix: It gives her the opportunity to interact with students who are motivated academically and set high goals for themselves. Tracking the progress of students, seeing them improve over time and achieve their goals is a great reward. Apart from that, students at Matrix are generous and have a great sense of humour - it's a pleasure to teach such well-balanced individuals!