Suite 301, 332-342 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction, 2022

Meet the Teachers

Highly qualified, inspiring teachers with real classroom experience 

Peter Garrard Owner and Director Discover Learning Australia

Peter Garrard

Director

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Hayley Bennett, Teacher at Discover Learning Australia

Hayley Bennett

Manager & Teacher

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Ella Lynch Discover Learning Australia

Ella Lynch

Assistant Manager & Teacher

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Macy Cocking Teacher at Discover Learning Australia

Macy Cocking

Teacher

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Jane Friel, Teacher at Discover Learning Australia, Bondi

Jane Friel

Teacher

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Gemma O'Driscoll - Teacher at Discover Learning Australia, Bondi

Gemma O'Driscoll

Teacher

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Shauna O'Boyle

Shauna O'Boyle

Teacher

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Kiera McCormick, Teacher at Discover Learning Australia

Kiera McCormick

Teacher

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Gemma Creaven, Teacher at Discover Learning Australia

Gemma Creaven

Teacher

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Erin McConnon, Teacher at Discover Learning Australia

Erin McConnon

Teacher

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Parent love

I can recommend Discover Learning without hesitation. My daughter has thrived under the care of her wonderful tutors and not only have her academic results improved, but her confidence in her ability to solve maths problems on her own at home and in the classroom. She genuinely enjoys her tutoring sessions and sees them as a “fun” after-school activity. Thank you for putting some joy back into maths problem-solving!
Sarah LandmanParent
The discover learning program has been incredible for both our 4 & 7yo children, who are both learning so much and accelerating ahead of their classes. The team bring so much fun and energy to the program, which inspires their learning. Shout-out in particular to Hannah, has really accelerated Hunter and he absolutely loves the experience.
Andy MorleyParent
My son has had a fantastic experience with the team at Discover Learning. Every lesson is carefully planned and they consider each individual child and their needs. I had mentioned that we needed extra help in a few areas and the next lesson was tailored to these challenges with fun inserted! They use imaginative games to help make learning fun. Can't recommend them enough!
Lisa RubnerParent
My son, 8, has been attending Discover Learning for a year and it has been a wonderful experience for him - his reading and comprehension has steadily improved each term and all of the tutors are knowledgeable, engaging and enthusiastic. Their approach to learning has had such a positive impact on his reading and confidence. I appreciate the goals that are set at the beginning of term and the emails that are sent at the end of each lesson so we're kept up to date on the content and how he is progressing.
Christine Di NicolaParent
This is the most incredible service. I recommend it more than highly. Every single teacher is adept, enthusiastic, motivating and most importantly - make their learning enjoyable. “Why can’t school be this fun” is what my 8 year old said. My 12 year old advanced hugely at school through the wonderful, life changing teaching that is provided. The owner, Peter Garrard, is hands on, efficient, kind, warm annd incredibly supportive of my last minute changes.Thank you all so very much for the difference you make to our, and many others lives.
Luisa SteadParent
Peter and his incredible team have created an inclusive, encouraging and engaging space where learning is dynamic and fun. My son’s confidence and interest in learning has grown tremendously in the two terms he has attended and we look forward to continuing our journey in 2025. Peter and his team are invested and dedicated to making the experience for both students and families a personal and positive one. Thank you
Kylie Walker-PoveyParent

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Peter Garrard Owner and Director Discover Learning Australia

Peter Garrard

Director

Peter has just celebrated his 1st anniversary since taking over Discover Learning, marking a truly fulfilling and inspiring year.

With a professional background in Banking and Finance and coming from a family of educators, including his mother, sister, brother, and grandparents on both sides; Peter has long appreciated the power and impact of teaching.

Having spent much of his career in large organisations where he often felt like a small cog in a big machine, Peter is passionate about fostering a connected and collaborative environment at Discover Learning. He believes deeply in the strengths and ideas of every team member and sees collaboration as key to enhancing the educational experience and outcomes for all students.

From day one, the energy and dedication of the staff have been nothing short of extraordinary. Their unwavering passion for education and commitment to our students are at the heart of what makes Discover Learning such a special place.

The moment you walk through the doors, the enthusiasm and positivity are unmistakable. It’s this vibrant environment that not only motivates our team but also inspires our students every day, creating the ideal atmosphere for learning and growth.

Hayley Bennett

B. Ed

Hayley is an enthusiastic and dedicated teacher from London, England, bringing with her a strong academic background and extensive classroom experience. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Primary Education, with a specialism in English, she has spent six years working in a mainstream classroom, where she has developed a deep understanding of diverse learning needs.

Hayley is passionate about supporting students to reach their full potential and is committed to providing individualised support. Known for her creativity, Hayley ensures that her lessons are active and engaging, fostering a love of learning in every student she teaches. Hayley is patient, approachable and able to break down complex concepts into manageable steps, ensuring pupils feel motivated and self-assured.

At her previous school, Hayley held the position of Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead, alongside being a class teacher. Her time in this position allowed her to recognise the importance of placing a strong emphasis on building children’s social and emotional literacy, alongside promoting their academic growth. She is keen to foster emotional wellbeing and support pupils with developing greater self-awareness and resilience.

Hayley’s goal is to inspire her students to develop a life-long love of learning, becoming keen to strive to be the best they can in any given situation or environment.

Ella Lynch

B. Ed

Ella is a qualified primary school teacher from Ireland with an undergraduate degree from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, and over four years of teaching experience. She has a strong background in both mainstream and special education, with extensive experience in both whole-class teaching and one-to-one support.

Over the past two years, Ella has been teaching in Australia across a range of settings from  mainstream classrooms teaching in Kindergarten and a Special Education school. This has strengthened her ability to effectively differentiate her teaching to meet a wide variety of learning needs, abilities, and styles.

Ella takes a progressivist approach to education, focusing on child-centred, active learning where students are encouraged to explore, think critically, and learn through meaningful, engaging experiences. She is passionate about making learning enjoyable and accessible, designing lessons that are both fun and purposeful while tailored to each student’s individual needs. Her supportive and personalised approach helps build confidence and empowers every child to reach their full potential.

Macy Cocking Teacher at Discover Learning Australia

Macy Cocking

BAEd

Macy is a dynamic and enthusiastic secondary English teacher.

Macy completed her Bachelor of Education & Arts from the University of Notre Dame Sydney in 2019, including a stint at the University of Ireland, studying English Literature.

She is passionate about all things English!

Macy has a wealth of experience teaching across the junior and senior English curriculum. From Year 7 to Year 12. Macy seeks to bring her love and passion for English to all her students, striving to make her students’ goals a reality!

Macy caters to all learners and enjoys nurturing and engaging students to achieve their personal best. She prides herself on creating a fun, caring and positive learning environment, where every student feels supported, and confident to strive for their best.

Jane Friel, Teacher at Discover Learning Australia, Bondi

Jane Friel

BA & PGCE

Jane is a qualified primary school teacher from Ireland with an undergraduate degree from Marino Institute of Education, the affiliated teaching college of Trinity College, Dublin. She has over six years of teaching experience, having taught at home in Ireland and for two years here in Sydney.

Over the past two years, Jane has been teaching in Australia across a range of settings from mainstream classrooms, Special Education schools and delivering targeted literacy programs to small groups. These experiences have strengthened her ability to effectively differentiate her teaching to meet a wide variety of learning needs, abilities, and styles.

Jane takes an inclusive and interactive approach to education, placing students at the centre of the learning process. She fosters a child-centred, active learning environment where every student is encouraged to explore, question, and develop their understanding through meaningful, engaging, and hands-on learning experiences.

 

Her supportive and personalised approach helps students to build confidence and empowers them to succeed.

Gemma O'Driscoll - Teacher at Discover Learning Australia, Bondi

Gemma O'Driscoll

Bachelor of Education

Gemma is a qualified teacher who graduated from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, Ireland with a Bachelor of Education, specialising in Special Educational Needs. As part of her degree, she completed an award-winning thesis in the area of special education, reflecting her strong interest in inclusive teaching and supporting diverse learners.

Gemma currently teaches English and Literacy in a high school in Sydney, where she works with students from a wide range of academic backgrounds and learning needs. She is particularly passionate about supporting students with additional learning needs, including dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences, helping them build confidence while developing the skills they need to succeed.

Gemma believes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to education. She tailors every lesson to suit the individual student, recognising that each child learns differently and deserves to feel included, capable, and supported. Her lessons are engaging, purposeful, and designed to make learning both enjoyable and effective, ensuring students develop confidence alongside their academic skills. She strives to create a safe and supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and celebrating their progress. Her goal is to empower every student to reach their full potential while fostering a genuine love of learning.

Shauna O'Boyle Teacher at Discover Learning Australia

Shauna O'Boyle

Bachelor of Education

Shauna is a qualified primary school teacher who graduated with a Bachelor of Education from Dublin City University. She has gained valuable teaching experience in Dublin, working both as a classroom teacher and as a learning support teacher. In her learning support role, she provided targeted, individualised instruction to students with additional learning needs, working closely with children in one-on-one and small group settings.

Shauna’s teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to experience success in their learning. She is passionate about building students’ confidence and self-esteem, and she strives to create a positive, supportive learning environment where each child feels valued and capable. Her goal is to foster not only academic progress but also a lifelong love of learning.

Kiera McCormick, Teacher at Discover Learning Australia

Kiera McCormick

Bachelor of Education

Kiera is a passionate and enthusiastic primary school teacher from England. She has 4 years of teaching experience and has a degree in Primary Education from the University of Reading. Kiera has spent most of her teaching career teaching in a mainstream setting but also has experience working with children with SEND and is passionate about using different approaches to learning to make lessons fun, interactive and accessible for individual pupils. One of Kiera’s greatest strengths lies in her ability to personalise learning experiences, tailoring her teaching methods to cater to individual needs, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. Creating a love for learning and developing confidence is pivotal to Kiera’s teaching approach and she loves to bring learning to life.

Gemma Creaven, Teacher at Discover Learning Australia

Gemma Creaven

Masters of Education

Gemma is a passionate and caring educator from the west of Ireland. She completed a degree in Children’s Studies at NUI Galway, followed by a Master’s in Education through Hibernia College, Dublin. With over eight years of experience in education, including working in a preschool while studying, Gemma has developed a deep understanding of how children learn best in supportive and nurturing environments.
 
Having grown up in a large family, Gemma has always been surrounded by children and adores her nieces and nephews. This has shaped her approach to teaching — she strives to treat every student with the same patience, warmth, and encouragement she would want for them.
 
Gemma now brings her experience and enthusiasm to the tutoring setting, working with students 1:1 and in small groups. She believes that every child has unique strengths and learning styles, and she takes pride in tailoring her lessons to suit each individual’s needs.
 
Her goal is to help students build confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning, while ensuring they always feel valued, supported, and capable of achieving their best.
Erin McConnon, Teacher at Discover Learning Australia

Erin McConnon

Bachelor of Education

Erin is passionate about helping every child reach their full potential. She takes the time to understand how each student learns best, tailoring lessons to their individual strengths, interests and goals. By creating a supportive and encouraging environment, she helps students feel comfortable asking questions, taking risks and celebrating their progress. Erin enjoys making learning interactive and meaningful, using creative activities and practical strategies to build both understanding and confidence.
 
Throughout her teaching career, Erin has taken on leadership responsibilities, strengthening her ability to support not only academic achievement but also children’s personal growth, independence, resilience and confidence.
 
Erin’s goal is to inspire every student to develop a genuine love of learning that extends well beyond the classroom. She believes that with the right support, encouragement and personalised approach, every child can succeed and enjoy the learning journey.