Alicia Vallero
Year 10 Pre-IB world languages
Year 11& 12 IB Diploma Spanish Teacher
1. What’s your favourite Science quote?
Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge. ( Carl Sagan)
2. What’s your favourite sports to play or watch?
Dragon boating to play, rugby union or soccer to watch.
3. What song did you listen to, repeatedly, during high school?
Cantares. Joan Manuel Serrat. Amazing lyrics written by a Spanish poet (Antonio Machado) that remind us that we are the architects of our future. I would share the words, but they are not very special when translated from Spanish.
4. What advice would you give your high school student self?
Work for your grades, but don´t forget to have some fun and make good friends.
5. What mystery do you wish you knew the answer to?
I would really like to know what’s beyond what we know in the universe. Who is out there?
Dr Lusha Kodikara
Year 10 Pre IB Introduction to Theory of Knowledge (ToK) Teacher
Year 11& 12 IB Diploma Chemistry, Biology and Theory of Knowledge (ToK) Teacher
About Dr Lusha Kodikara…
I am a global educator with a lifelong passion for learning. Born in Sri Lanka and educated across the UK, New Zealand, and Australia, I hold a BSc, MSc (1st Hons), and a PhD in Physical–Organic Chemistry, where I discovered my love for teaching through undergraduate tutoring. My career spans leading schools in the UK, New Zealand, and Sydney, including Kambala and the German International School, where I taught IB Chemistry and served as part of the IB Core and pastoral teams. I am excited to contribute to Westbourne’s growth as a STEM-focused school, and I look forward to collaborating with colleagues and teaching bright, motivated students as they navigate their academic and personal journeys.
1. Where is the most interesting place you’ve been to and why?
The mystery of who did kill JFK, and why was Lee Harvey Oswald killed soon after.
2. Would you rather go hang gliding or white-water rafting?
Gliding, see the world from the sky.
3. Which is your most memorable teacher from high school and why?
I had a number of teachers at my high school, how made learning so much fun and engaging! My Pure maths teacher, Mrs Lawton, My Chemistry teacher Mr Abbot, my English teacher, Ms Ryan, who made our discussions so vibrant, my Biology teacher Mr Allan. It’s hard to choose between.
4. What book impacted you the most and why?
I would say Animal Farm, as a young person, because it made me view politicans in a cynical way.
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Do you have a question about IB Spanish or TOK? Book a tour with Nicole via apply@westbournecollege.com.au or call/WhatsApp +61 492 826 962 and ask to speak to our teachers.
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To see who else teaches brilliant minds at Westbourne, click here our team.