The duo are in their fourth and final year of a Bachelor of Education degree at CSU, and are part of a new program to unite the university with Denison College.

Launched on Wednesday at the Kelso High campus, the program gives CSU student teachers the opportunity to undertake practical teaching at the college’s campuses to better prepare them for life after they graduate.

CSU sub dean for workplace learning Matt Winslade said: “The theory-practice gap was getting bigger” and this project has led to changes in the university’s teaching methods.

“We have completely changed the way we set our subjects up,” he said.

Kelso principal Michael Sloan said collaboration between CSU and college staff had been beneficial.

“You’re sharing ideas and using the ideas and knowledge of the academic staff with the teachers,” he said.

Mr Barcham and Ms Shiels said that while facing a real classroom of students was exciting and a little terrifying.

“For me, some classes were more terrifying than others for different reasons,” Mr Barcham said.

His biggest challenge so far has been to “effectively implement behaviour management programs”.

“Every child is different and every class is different,” Mr Barcham said.

However, the mathematics teacher said he has thoroughly enjoyed sharing his love of the subject.

“I love being able to teach maths,” Mr Barcham said.

He moved from Hazlebrook to Bathurst to undertake his degree and said he would love to find a job in the region so he could stay.

History teacher Ms Shiels said the practical teaching has been a huge benefit as the Denison College teachers were able to assist when needed and provide feedback.

Her biggest challenge so far has been to be confident with the subject content.

“I’m trying to be confident with the content and deliver it in a way that every student can understand,” Ms Shiels said.

“It’s satisfying when the students respond to the teaching and get that ‘ahh’ moment [of understanding].

“I’m passionate about history and I definitely wanted to teach something that I was passionate about.”

Bathurst born Ms Shiels said she would also like to find a position at a local primary or high school after she graduates.

The duo are mid-way through their six-week practical teaching program as part of their degree.