A Symphony Pedagogy for Student Wellbeing and Learning

Karen Yager and Dr Geoff Gates | Hills Grammar

Karen Yager | Principal of Hills Grammar 

A progressive and creative leader, Karen brings more than 26 years' experience to our School, most recently as Deputy Headmaster K-12 at Knox Grammar. Her work in the education and academic world has been recognised with numerous awards, including the NSW Professional Teachers Council Award for Outstanding Service to Education in 2019. With an emphasis on developing each student's unique strengths, agency and voice, Mrs Yager will continue to nurture, grow and inspire our Hills Originals to achieve their potential for greatness. Karen commenced as Hills Grammar's fifth Principal in January 2022 and is enjoying meeting the Hills Grammar community – students, staff and families. 

Dr Geoff Gates | Director of Learning and Teacher Hills Grammar

As the Director of Learning and Teaching Pre K to 12, Geoff works closely with the Heads of ECEC, Junior School and Senior School, to ensure a high quality curriculum is in place across the School. He also works closely with both curriculum leaders and teachers on projects such as Cultures of Thinking and Deep Learning, where the aim is to develop innovative, 21st century approaches to learning and teaching. 

Geoff started teaching at Hills Grammar in 2004. Prior to Hills, he worked in Sydney, London and Hamburg and has taught HSC, GCSE, IGCSE and IB Diploma courses. His past leadership roles have included Literacy Coordinator, Student Services Coordinator, and Head of English. Geoff has presented at education and university conferences on pedagogy, literature and creative writing practice. 

Geoff completed a Master of Arts (Creative Writing) in 2007, and a Master of Education (Leadership) in 2013 and a Doctor of Creative Arts degree in 2023. He is the author of two novels, and has written for both professional publications and literary journals. Geoff completed the AIS Flagship Leadership Program in 2023 and awarded a Premier's Teacher Scholarship for 2025 (Creativity Across the Curriculum).

Session Information

Join our Principal and Director of Learning and Teaching at Hills Grammar and be challenged in your thinking around pedagogy, learning and wellbeing. Amid debates about direct instruction and inquiry learning, and in the context of the introduction of a 'knowledge-rich curriculum' in NSW, we argue that great teaching requires not one approach but a symphony of pedagogies. The Hills Grammar 'Guided Inquiry' approach includes explicit instruction, big ideas, lines of inquiry and application of knowledge in real-world contexts. We combine strong disciplinary learning with interdisciplinary opportunities, including entrepreneurial and passion projects. This holistic approach strengthens traditional academic outcomes while building student wellbeing and preparing them for the future.

Session Date and Time

Venue for face-to-face attendance | Learning Lounge
Date | Term 4, Week 3, Tuesday 28 October
Time| 4.00pm– 5.00pm
Audience | ECEC to Year 12 Teachers and Educators
Cost | There is no cost for this event

OR Virtual online attendance