Heidi Esdaile takes her students at Sheldon College on an inspiring musical learning journey, starting from Kindergarten and leading them through to Year 4.
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She inspires the children to think imaginatively, transform their learning into relatable contexts and make connections with prior learning.  This is done in a caring and loving manner, acknowledging individual needs and celebrating contributions.

Heidi told the QCT, “I am extremely fortunate to work in a school that values the arts, and the positive impact that an Arts education can have on learning processes, creativity, self-esteem, emotional intelligence and the well-being of children.” 

“Sheldon is a school where an Arts education is truly valued and embraced from K-12. We see so much evidence of students utilising the transferable skills they learn in the Arts in a range of contexts. Our teachers strive to create an environment where risk is embraced, and creativity is at the centre of student development.” Darren Harvey, Director of the Arts at Sheldon College.
 
Heidi’s understanding of the individual learning needs of each student within the Music Curriculum at Sheldon College is outstanding.  She applies her extensive level of experience and knowledge to each learning opportunity. Heidi actively engages her students in thinking about their own learning process, what is happening in their brains when they learn something new, and how they can make new, challenging concepts more automatic by using targeted practice techniques. These learning skills and strategies are transferable to other aspects of their cognitive development both inside and outside of her Music classroom.

Heidi’s teaching engages each student through the use of fun, practical learning experiences that provide opportunities to contribute and collaborate. 

​By focusing on the skillset of each individual student, she allows them to make connections between what they have learnt and practised from lesson to lesson and year to year, and challenges them to always strive to improve. Heidi builds students’ confidence to freely explore music and sound in a creative way by applying routines and structures within her classroom that are well known to students and allow them to feel comfortable and supported. 

In building this environment, the students are encouraged each lesson to show empathy to one another, and to use focus and discipline to ensure that they have the tools they need in order to learn and create each and every lesson.

“Heidi is an extremely valued and dedicated member of the school community.  Her involvement within the wider musical program at Sheldon College is highly regarded and she maintains professionalism throughout,” principal, Dr Lyn Bishop said.

Heidi fosters a relationship with parents and invests her time creating a positive and enjoyable experience for all children, inspiring others to engage in the fun and magic of learning through music and movement.
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Congratulations Heidi on your Excellence in Teaching Award nomination.