Image credit: Gene Ramirez
For the last two years, students from Cerdon College Merrylands have topped the state in Italian for the HSC. These high achievers, from non-Italian speaking backgrounds, first encountered the language in their junior years at Cerdon. Alongside them, many classmates also secured Band 6 results. While the hard work and dedication of the students is undeniable, another contributing factor to this success is the commitment and skill of their language teacher, Maria Marando.
Maria, the daughter of Italian parents, has been shaping young minds at Cerdon since 1998. Her impact is profound, fulfilling a dream she had since childhood. “I always said to myself, if I ever become a teacher, I’m going to do everything for my kids,” Maria shares.
Teaching runs in Maria's family; her twin sister teaches Italian at another Sydney Catholic school and all the women in her family teach in some capacity. Maria’s own school experience, which saw her left without an Italian teacher for a few months during her HSC year, fueled her commitment to her students. Her mother’s support during that challenging time inspired Maria’s generosity with her time and attention.
“I offer extra time, I work with students during my free lessons so they can practise speaking. I never deny my students the opportunity to come and do extra work with me,” Maria said.
The extra practice sessions are crucial, especially for the HSC speaking exam. Maria’s classroom motto, "la pratica vale più della grammatica" (practice is worth more than grammar), underscores her teaching philosophy. By frequently exercising their language skills, Maria helps her students gain confidence and proficiency.
Her extensive experience allows her to motivate her students effectively. The College’s language immersion experiences, including trips to Italy and hosting Italian exchange students, are major motivators. These experiences forge strong cultural connections that last well beyond school years.
“I sometimes run into ex-students who tell me they have been to Italy and reconnected with their exchange student friends. It’s amazing,” Maria said.
Maria’s teaching leaves a lasting impression on her students, and the feeling is mutual. After over 25 years, she still revels in seeing her students grow and develop.
“I love seeing the end result. You start with a taster course in Year 7 and see the progression to Year 12. The kids are always eager to show what they’ve learned,” Maria said.
One of her most memorable teaching experiences involved a student who began with severe anxiety about speaking Italian. This student ultimately placed among the top performers in the state for Beginners Italian, a testament to Maria’s ability to build self-belief and confidence. Her current Year 11 students attribute their excitement for the subject to Maria’s passion.
“You love what you do, and because you love what you do, we’re excited to come to class. We love how you push us out of our comfort zones,” a Year 11 student said.
For those students considering whether to continue with a language for senior studies, Maria says it is important to remember that not every subject has to be linked to your future career.
“Choose subjects that you’re good at, because that’s how you’re going to get the ATAR to get into the course you want to do. You also experience a tremendous amount of personal satisfaction from learning a language and one day you may use your skills when you travel,” she said.
Diya Badawi, a Cerdon graduate who topped the state in Italian Continuers in 2023, is a prime example. Her excellent Italian mark contributed to her high ATAR, allowing her to study Optometry. Keen to maintain her language skills, Diya now teaches part-time at the Marco Polo Italian School (a not-for-profit community language school), a connection Maria helped facilitate.
“There are not enough words to describe Mrs Marando as a teacher. She was so supportive and really goes above and beyond and knows how to get the most out of us,” Diya said.
Maria’s passion for Italian culture extends beyond teaching. For the past ten years, she has run an Italian restaurant, working there on weekends. Frequent trips to Italy, including a recent family visit to celebrate her mother’s 70th birthday, keep her connected to her roots.
Maria Marando’s story is a testament to the impact a dedicated teacher can have. Her passion, commitment, and love for Italian culture have not only led to exceptional HSC results but also inspired countless students to pursue their dreams.