Our Programs

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Ian and Matthew spent many years working together at Trinity Grammar School in Sydney’s Inner West, dedicating their careers to supporting students both academically and personally. Now, after retiring from full-time teaching, they are excited to launch Open Doors Learning—a new educational hub designed to give back to the community they have called home for decades.

Rooted in their shared belief that student wellbeing is fundamental to academic success, Open Doors Learning offers more than just structured homework support. Recognizing the growing impact of social media and technology reliance, Ian and Matthew have created a balanced, engaging environment where students can not only excel in their studies but also enjoy social and recreational activities. Through games, fitness, and creative pursuits, they aim to foster confidence, connection, and a love of learning in the next generation.

About Matthew

Matthew has dedicated over 40 years to teaching English in high schools, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to fostering young minds. 

Beyond the classroom, he has held various pastoral leadership roles, including Year Coordinator and Housemaster. For Matthew, education has always been about more than academics—building strong relationships and supporting the personal growth of his students has been central to his approach.

His passion extended into his role as the Co-ordinator of the Duke of Edinburgh program, and this enthusiasm for the outdoors has naturally evolved into his current position as a Scout Leader in Sydney's Inner West, where he continues to inspire resilience, teamwork, and a love for nature.

Matthew’s commitment to holistic development is reflected in his active involvement in sports, coaching rugby, basketball, football and swimming, encouraging his students to value physical fitness and teamwork.  

With a front-row view of the growing mental health challenges faced by young people, Matthew remains deeply motivated to make a difference, mainly by crafting programs that combine effective learning strategies, structured activities and meaningful social interaction. His vision is to empower young people to thrive—both mentally and physically—by creating environments where they feel connected, challenged and supported.

NESA ACCREDITATION NO:302988

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK:0991891E Expires 23/04/2026

Qualifications: BA/Dip Ed (UNSW)

MA (Syd)

About Ian

Ian, teacher and mentor, has been honoured with a prestigious Australian College of Educators Fellowship and dual honorary Fellowships from the NSW Teachers Guild, recognising his contributions to creative teaching. Ian believes education should be inspiring, creative, and enjoyable.

Ian has developed an early learning reading program using phonics and adventure stories to introduce children and caregivers to reading basics. The program helps caregivers turn playtime into educational experiences that build a strong learning foundation.  

He has developed an innovative exam and homework techniques program that helps students from Year 4 to Year 12 ‘love’ learning, embrace school and exams, and achieve marks they hadn't previously considered.

Ian's techniques have helped 24 students achieve Top Ten rankings in the NSW HSC, including several who ranked first in the state in Economics and Business Studies. Ian has written a dozen Economics and Business Studies textbooks under the banner of Creative Classroom.

NESA ACCREDITATION NO: 1105097

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK: 1117189E- Expires 30/03/2027

Qualifications: B/Comm (UNSW); Dip Ed (Syd). 

Fellowship of Australian College of Educators 

Honorary Fellowship of the Teachers' Guild NSW

For more information about Ian, visit www.creativeclassroom.com.au

About Janet

Dr Janet Saunders is currently a lecturer in Illustration and Visual Storytelling at Western Sydney University. Janet has designed and delivered many drawing and visual storytelling workshops to a wide range of community groups of all ages including refugee, indigenous, artist collectives and school children in Timor-Leste. 

Janet has worked in collaboration with Ian Moore to produce an early English reading program, Ranger Read, recently trialled in Kenya and Tanzania. She is the recipient of the 2024 Excellence in Education Award, Teachers’ Guild of New South Wales for the development of creative learning materials.

Janet's Ph.D. thesis, Back to the Drawing Board? investigates the role and value of process drawing in the creative thinking practices of novice graphic designers. Her drawing practice explores the path to creative thinking and well-being through drawing and printmaking. Her image-making is inspired by the body and explores different forms of visual storytelling, pareidolia and phenomenological drawing approaches.

For more information: http//:improdraw.com