CGS Teacher Invited to Share Innovation in Asia
August 22, 2025
Casey Grammar School is delighted to celebrate the remarkable achievement of graduate teacher, Ella Clifton, who has been invited to present her innovative classroom work in Hong Kong and Hangzhou.
Just months into her first year of teaching, Ella is already making an impact beyond our school gates. Her lesson, designed for a Year 10 Global Economics class, was selected as part of the Australia-China Community Engaged Pedagogy (ACCEPT) initiative, a research project led by Monash University in collaboration with the Museum of Chinese Australian History.
Exploring themes of Chinese immigration during the gold rush and its links to modern global economics, Ella’s lesson impressed university researchers for its thoughtful integration of history, economics and cultural awareness. The unit was developed using historical artefacts and engaged students in deep discussion around immigration, labour rights and globalisation.
“This is an incredible opportunity and one I never imagined would come so early in my teaching journey,” says Ella. “Being invited to be part of an international exchange, sharing my work with students overseas, and collaborating with educators in Hong Kong and Hangzhou is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my career.”
Ella’s invitation includes visits to local universities, lesson delivery in overseas classrooms and observation of teaching practices in Asia. The exchange is expected to go ahead in early 2026, pending grant approval.
In addition to this honour, Ella has had her work published in COMPAK, the Victorian Commercial Teachers Association’s journal, and will present at the annual Comview conference later this year. Her published unit explores real-world economic forecasting and challenges students to predict Reserve Bank decisions using live data.
Principal, Mrs Fiona Williams, says the recognition is well-deserved.
“To be invited to teach and present overseas so early in her career speaks volumes about Ella’s creativity, professionalism and ability to deeply engage students,” says Mrs Williams. “She is an exceptional educator and a wonderful representative of Casey Grammar School.”
Ella credits her success to the encouragement she has received at school.
“My goal is always to help students feel confident, capable and connected to the world around them,” she says. “I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a school like Casey Grammar, where I’ve been supported and encouraged from day one.”
We congratulate Ella on this outstanding achievement and look forward to hearing more about her journey in the months to come.
