“Ambrose is more than just a workplace, it’s a community.”

James: Studying, Growing and Making a Difference.

For many university students, finding a job that fits around classes, assignments and exams can be a challenge. That’s exactly why working at Ambrose stands out.

For Casual Educator James, a second-year Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Science student at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Ambrose School Age Care has provided the perfect balance between study, work and personal growth, while offering something many casual jobs can’t: genuine enjoyment and the opportunity to make a difference every day.

A Job That Works Around University Life

One of the benefits of James’ role has been the flexibility, allowing him to balance work commitments with university studies.

“Ambrose fits perfectly around my university studies while allowing me to gain valuable real-world experience,” he says.

Unlike many part-time jobs that can feel repetitive or disconnected from future career goals, working at Ambrose helps develop practical skills that are valuable in any profession, including communication, teamwork, leadership and confidence.

As a Sports and Exercise Science student, James has also enjoyed being able to stay active, engage children in physical activities and apply his passion for health, movement and wellbeing in a practical setting.

Every Day Is Different

Coming from a background as a squash coach, James was naturally drawn to a role where he could continue working with children and creating fun, engaging experiences.

“Ambrose gave me the opportunity to continue doing what I enjoy most, which is building meaningful connections with children, encouraging them to try new things and helping them grow in confidence.”

From leading dodgeball competitions and tug-of-war challenges to organising limbo games and group activities, no two days at Ambrose are ever the same. For James, the role is the perfect combination of his passions, staying active, working with children and creating engaging experiences that help build confidence, resilience and social connections.

“It’s become much more than just a job. It’s a place where I genuinely look forward to coming to work each day.”

Building Confidence and Leadership Skills

Working across multiple services has helped James develop valuable skills that will benefit him both personally and professionally. With each service having its own unique culture, routines and community, he has learned to be adaptable, confident and effective in a variety of environments.

Since joining Ambrose, James has grown in confidence when taking initiative, leading activities and supporting his fellow educators during busy periods. He has also had the opportunity to lead large group activities for children of different ages, helping him strengthen his leadership, creativity and planning skills while delivering engaging experiences for children.

“One of the biggest skills I’ve developed is creating an inclusive environment where every child feels welcome and involved.”

A Sense of Belonging

For many young people entering the workforce, having a supportive team can make all the difference. One of the things James enjoys most about Ambrose is the strong sense of community among educators.

“Ambrose is more than just a workplace, it’s a community.”

That sense of belonging is reflected in the relationships he has built with his colleagues.

“The people are amazing. I’ve built great friendships with my co-workers, and everyone creates such a positive and supportive environment that every shift is enjoyable.”

For students looking to meet new people, build friendships and work alongside like-minded teammates, Ambrose offers an environment where support, collaboration and connection are part of everyday life.

Making a Real Difference

While the role is filled with games, activities and plenty of fun, it also comes with a strong sense of purpose. One of James’ proudest achievements is knowing he has become someone the children can look up to.

“Knowing that I can make a positive difference in their day, encourage them to be kind, confident and respectful, and create lasting memories with them is something I’m really proud of.”

The opportunity to positively influence children’s lives while helping them build confidence, make friends and try new experiences is what motivates him to come to work each day.

Why Young People Should Consider Ambrose

For university students and young adults looking for a flexible, rewarding and genuinely enjoyable job, Ambrose offers a unique opportunity.

Whether you’re studying teaching, business, health, sport, communications or simply looking for meaningful work while completing your degree, the experience gained at Ambrose School Age Care can help you develop skills that will benefit you long after graduation.

As James puts it:

“Every day is different, and that’s what makes the role so rewarding. If you’re willing to learn, have a positive attitude and genuinely care about making a difference in children’s lives, you’ll absolutely love working at Ambrose.”

Faith, Belonging and Community

Grounded in the Catholic faith and open to all, our learning communities welcome families from all backgrounds, cultures and faith traditions.

Guided by the values of Respect, Encouragement and Care, educators support children to:

  • Develop kindness, empathy and gratitude
  • Build respectful relationships
  • Care for others and the environment
  • Develop confidence and a sense of belonging
  • Recognise and value diversity within the community

Faith and spirituality are experienced in age-appropriate and meaningful ways through:

  • Prayer and reflection
  • Stories, celebrations and traditions
  • Shared values and respectful relationships
  • Participation in school and community events
  • Experiences of care, inclusion and belonging

Educators nurture children’s natural sense of curiosity, wonder and connection to the world around them while supporting them to grow as caring, thoughtful and respectful individuals.

As part of a Catholic community, children experience opportunities to build connections with:

  • Educators and families
  • School and parish communities
  • Cultural and community celebrations
  • Shared events and experiences
  • The wider world around them

Transitioning to Kindergarten

At Ambrose, transition to school is viewed as a gradual and supportive journey where children build confidence, familiarity and a sense of belonging before their first day of school.

Throughout the year, educators intentionally support children to develop:

  • Confidence participating in group learning experiences
  • Listening and communication skills
  • Independence and self-help skills
  • Emotional regulation and resilience
  • Attention, persistence and flexible thinking
  • Positive relationships and social confidence
  • Familiarity with routines and transitions

 

Families are supported throughout the transition process through:

  • Ongoing communication and transition discussions
  • Parent-teacher interviews and learning updates
  • Transition to School Statements
  • Opportunities to connect with educators and school communities

Social and Emotional Development

At Ambrose, children are part of a connected Catholic school community where relationships, belonging and wellbeing are intentionally nurtured every day.

Grounded in the values of respect, encouragement and care, our nurturing learning environments support children to feel:

  • Safe and supported
  • Confident to participate and try new things
  • Connected to others and their community
  • Valued as capable learners
  • A strong sense of identity and belonging

 

Social and emotional learning is embedded throughout the day through:

  • Collaborative play experiences
  • Group discussions and reflection
  • Intentional teaching moments
  • Problem solving and conflict resolution
  • Structured routines and expectations
  • Prayer, wellbeing and relationship building

 

Through intentional play-based learning, structured routines and shared experiences, children develop:

  • Confidence and independence
  • Positive relationships and friendships
  • Emotional awareness and self-regulation
  • Resilience
  • Communication and collaboration skills
  • Respect, empathy and kindness

Mathematical Thinking and Inquiry

At Ambrose, mathematical thinking is developed through intentional play-based learning, inquiry, investigation and hands-on learning experiences that encourage children to explore, question and problem solve.

The Ambrose Foundations program supports children’s learning about mathematical concepts and applying them in their play and inquiries including STEAM experiences, construction, investigation and collaborative learning.

Children become familiar with:

  • Patterns and predictions
  • Shapes and spatial thinking
  • Measurement and data
  • Quantity and counting

 

Teachers intentionally plan for children’s Mathematical Inquiry and thinking, supporting children to develop:

  • Early number awareness
  • Problem solving and critical thinking
  • Pattern recognition
  • Spatial awareness
  • Reasoning and prediction skills
  • Confidence exploring mathematical concepts
  • Curiosity and inquiry skills

Language and Literacy

Strong literacy foundations begin with language, communication and connection. Children develop literacy skills through meaningful, hands-on experiences that connect learning to their everyday lives, interests and the natural world.

As part of the Catholic school community, Ambrose supports literacy development through a seamless continuum of learning from early childhood into kindergarten and the early years of school.

Through intentional play-based learning and literacy experiences, children build the confidence, communication skills and early learning foundations that support a successful transition into school.

  • This approach fosters the development of:
  • Oral language and communication skills
  • Vocabulary and comprehension
  • Listening and attention skills
  • Confidence participating in group discussions
  • Early literacy understanding
  • Phonological awareness
  • Curiosity about books, stories and language