The Sydney City Alexander Technique teacher training course opened to the public in January of 2016. Its director, Simon Fitzgibbon, has been training teachers since 2008, previously directing the first teacher training course in Madrid since its inception.
He is joined by an experienced team of teacher trainers.
Our method
Our training course specialises in the hands-on teaching style as taught to us by Walter Carrington at the Constructive Teaching Centre in London. We aim to equip our graduates with the requisite skill and understanding of the Technique in their own lives that will enable them to effectively teach it to others.
For this reason, the training is mainly practical in nature. Class time does not have a rigid structure, which allows us to pursue any idea that may crop up in the day to day of the course.
Notwithstanding, a “typical” day would normally consist of individual work, planned small group activities and “games” (individual guided activities). Relevant theory is introduced at appropriate times to compliment the practical procedures. Time is also set aside each week for reading and discussing F.M. Alexander’s books and other related literature. Basic anatomy and physiology is also studied, but always with a practical focus and emphasis on its relation to the practical application of the Technique.
Course structure
The course consists of 1600 hours of class time over normally, and no less than, three years. Available class times are 9.30am to 12.30pm, Monday to Saturday.
Standard attendance is Monday to Friday although more flexible options (Less days a week, Saturdays, …) are available depending on the trainee’s circumstances. All trainees must attend at least three days a week. Any variation to the standard programme must be approved by the Director.
The teacher/trainee ratio will be at least 1:3.
Trainees also receive a fortnightly half hour private lesson with the course Director and are expected to dedicate considerable time outside of school hours to the application of the Alexander Technique to their daily lives, further reading of relevant literature and to pursue any area of particular interest to them. To this end, trainees are encouraged to borrow material from the school’s extensive library.
Our staff
Simon Fitzgibbon
Director
Simon became interested in the Alexander Technique in his late teens as a means of improving his guitar playing. He went on to train as a teacher at the Ackers Alexander Technique Teacher Centre in Sydney, graduating in 1993. He then moved to London where he spent a year doing post-graduate study with Walter and Dilys Carrington at the Constructive Teaching Centre, before moving to Madrid in 1995. Simon taught there privately for 20 years before moving back to Sydney. He has been training teachers continuously since 2008.
Marietta Simarro
Assistant Director
Marietta graduated from the Constructive Teaching Centre in London, in 2009. She has taught in private practice and assisted in the training of teachers ever since, in Madrid for 6 years and in before Sydney since 2016. Her background is the performing arts, both as an actress and a dancer.
Christine Ackers
Regular Teacher
Christine graduated from the Constructive Teaching Centre in London in 1968 where she continued working until 1983. She then moved to Sydney to assist on the first training course for teachers of the Alexander Technique in Australia. Since then she has continued in private practice in addition to training teachers.
Bradley Newman
Regular Teacher
Bradley came to the Alexander Technique in 1997 after developing RSI in his arm and shoulder which was severe enough to force him to stop his profession of playing piano. He trained as an Alexander Technique teacher with Christine Ackers in Sydney, qualifying in 2000. Since then he has taught the Alexander Technique continually and assisted in the training of teachers. He also continues to play piano professionally.
Entry requirements
Those wishing to join the training course must have already spent considerable (recent) time receiving private lessons in the Alexander Technique, typically a minimum of 12 months of weekly lessons from a qualified teacher. A reference from this teacher (or teachers) may be required. No credit will be awarded for prior learning: all trainees are expected to complete the full course in order to graduate.
Prospective trainees are encouraged to visit the school as much as possible before committing themselves to the course.
Visits
We welcome any teacher or prospective trainee wishing to visit the course and experience our way working. The only condition is that you let us know beforehand when you’d like to come. Please note that although we do have a calendar of class weeks and breaks, we are often able to open for visitors during breaks, particularly for those travelling from out of Sydney. Check with us.
We are also open most Saturdays, regardless of term breaks.
Post-graduate study
We also offer the post-graduate study opportunities. Places are open to any qualified Alexander Technique teacher wanting to deepen their practice and teaching of the Technique, including those wanting to return after taking a break from teaching. We offer flexible options including one or more terms, one or more week intensives, or one or more days a week over an agreed period of time. Feel free to visit us before committing to any programme of study.
If you have any questions, Let us know.