Staff Profile: Mr Tim Dibdin- by R. Cochrane- Year 10
How many years have you been teaching at Oxley College?
I joined the teaching staff at Oxley at the beginning of 2000, so that makes it 26 years!
What ultimately inspired you to take on the profession of teaching?
I was very much inspired by some of my own high school teachers, particularly my PE teacher and Rugby coach in the fourth form and my History teacher in the sixth form (old speak!). I was also mindful of those teachers who did not command respect in the classroom. My Dad was also a school master, with a strong interest in co-curricular sport and overseas travel. He had the ability to build a strong rapport and long-lasting acquaintance with many of his pupils. In particular, he championed those who struggled academically and discovered for them ways to succeed and thrive in their adult lives. He taught until he was nearly 70 years old and loved it!
Specifically, what made you want to become a teacher of Social Sciences?
At school I was not very good at Mathematics or the pure Sciences, but I did develop keen interests in Geography, History and English Literature. I went on to read Geography, History and Religious Studies at university, later specialising in Human Geography. Being at university in Wales allowed me to explore the beautiful local mountains and coastlines on field trips or expeditions with the mountaineering and kayaking clubs. Hence, I also became interested in outdoor education. Meanwhile, I was developing a keen interest in Celtic history, culture and landscape, completing my teaching practice in Geography and Physical Education at schools which were bi-lingual and where colleagues and students were fiercely proud of their Welsh heritage.
What is one of your favourite topics to discuss in the classroom?
Countries – the big wall map in CTW – 7 was great for that when this was a Geography room, as well as old school atlases and Google Earth! I love Geography trivia!
What do you like most about teaching Geography and History?
I enjoy the multi-disciplinary nature of Geography, combining the sciences and arts to explain the world’s natural and built environments and the issues which evolve from this interaction. Being a storyteller in History helps students connect the past to the present, develop critical thinking skills and build empathy through role play.
Why do you believe that Geography is a crucial subject for students as part of the Oxley learning experience?
Geography is a very diverse subject which effectively synthesises science, history, economics and human culture; so acting as a useful bridging subject. As Mr Simpson often quips, “Geography is about everything, and everything is about Geography”. Geography has real-life relevance; teaching students about the world they live in today, helping them understand interconnected global systems, environmental challenges and local issues. Ultimately, the goal is to empower students to think critically, develop spatial awareness and skills in cartography, spatial technologies and decision-making, for them to then burst out of their Burradoo bubbles, explore the outside world and become responsible, active citizens who genuinely care about the future of their planet and its peoples. I can think of a number of Old Oxleyans’ who have pursued International and Environmental Studies and carved out careers in conservation, outdoor education, international law and diplomacy; all of which have a basis in Geography.
Similarly, in outdoor education and particularly through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award framework, there are opportunities for students to experience learning in tangible ways; whether it be in a group navigating a journey through a wilderness area, serving the interests of the local community, or developing new and practical life skills.
Is there a particular memory during your time at Oxley that you are most fond of?
I have many fond memories of my time at Oxley; most of them out of the classroom. These include coaching my first – quite magnificent – U 15 Rugby team, co-managing six international cricket tours and three Gold Coast sports tours, visiting Botswana and Nepal with Year 9 and 10, exploring New Caledonia’s barrier reef aboard a sailing boat with a group of French/Geography students; accompanying Duke of Ed participants along the Main Range of the Snowy Mountains on a sparkling December day, racing students down the flanks of Mt Kosciusko on an OLE cross-country skiing camp, taking Gold award students to the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Duke of Ed in Australia with Prince Edward and Dawn Fraser at Sydney Town Hall and with the Governor of NSW at Government House.
Other favourite memories include snowball fights on the Founders’ Field during my first Highlands winter, intense games of indoor hockey in the PCC against our Dutch exchange students and when the Pipe Band combined with the school orchestra for the first time on Foundation Day, under the baton of Andrew Young and almost brought the PCC roof crashing down with their sheer volume, vigour and passion!
Oh, and from a pastoral point of view, I really enjoyed leading Mawson House for a semester, even though I am a die-hard Dobellian!
What is something that no one else knows about you?
I was once 6’ 6’’ tall? Nah. No one needs to know or perhaps should not know!