My School Report - Sue Mayes, Principal Physiotherapist, The Australian Ballet
The Age
Monday October 15, 2007
Schools attended: After beginning school in the UK, I returned to Australia and found difficulty settling into grade 1 at Pleasant Street Primary School in Ballarat. I was extremely shy and had a very strong Manchester accent. I remember being teased to such an extent that my parents finally moved me into a smaller class at Ballarat Grammar School. The school had recently turned co-ed and there were only four girls in my first three years.
Favourite subject: Science - especially biology. Dissecting formalin-soaked rats was my favorite day. In HSC I was able to include ballet as one of my subjects. It was only the second year this option was offered.Teacher who changed my life: I had many inspiring teachers but it was my father who spent tireless hours tutoring me. He even had to resort to bringing out the oranges and lemons to bring me up to scratch with chemistry. Even now he often gives me advice on tricky diagnoses.The turning point in my education: While I was in my final year of a diploma in dance, I injured my back and began visiting chiropractors, osteopaths and physiotherapists. It was physiotherapy that interested me most of all. Soon after I left the ballet and spent the next six months working as an assistant to the health professionals of Ballarat's Queen Elizabeth Centre, prior to starting a physiotherapy degree.Sports/academic prizes won: I was presented with the obstetrics and gynaecology award upon graduation from physiotherapy. There is a diverse range of areas in which physio students can study and eventually practice. I have been able to apply knowledge acquired from those varied experiences to my work at the Australian Ballet. This year I provided injury-prevention exercises to the horse in Don Quixote.Best lesson ever learnt: Even though you may initially choose one option for undergraduate study, there is time to change to another area of interest. The life experiences and knowledge gained during that time are often useful in the long-term, even if they seem unrelated at the time.When I was 12 I intended to become: Either a ballet teacher or a marine biologist. This conflict of interest between ballet and science continued throughout my student life but in the end I was able to marry my two loves.In grade 6 I sat next to: I really can't remember, although I think I may have changed seats frequently in that year. All I can recall from grade 6 is a mouthful of ugly metal braces and the emotional turmoil in the playground due to prepubescent female mood swings.Why I took the educational journey I did: I was fortunate to have parents who wholeheartedly supported my decision to pursue ballet rather than a more sensible option of studying science at university. At the time, physiotherapy hadn't crossed my mind and though I was accepted into Melbourne University science, I chose to study ballet full-time. The decision definitely paid off as it led to my discovery of the physiotherapy profession and provided me with a first-hand experience of the highs and the lows of dancing.What's wrong/right with schools today? Right Teachers are continually implementing new, creative methods of engaging their students and catering to a wide range of abilities and interests.Wrong Teachers and schools should be more highly regarded and funded. They have a huge responsibility of educating and shaping our children, with often limited resources.If I could change anything about my education I would: I often wish I hadn't given up the cello. I would love to join in with my husband and son on their violins.
© 2007 The Age