testimonials from past students
Mike Dingley - Mentor Program Student ·
Leonard critiqued my work and was able to give me some very useful tips and ideas regarding the artistic quality of my images which has lead me to grow as a photographic artist. He was able to describe and demonstrate the subtleties of matting, framing and presenting the final image. His knowledge of art photography is very well rounded and because of his encouragement and expertise I was able to organise my first exhibition at the Breewood Gallery in March 2008.
Mike - Student Landscape Photography Weekend ·
“A most informative practical course on photography in the bush. I came away from the course with a new inspiration to pursue creative photography.”
Peter J - Student Landscape Photography Weekend ·
“As a ‘beginner’, I found the explanation of theory, followed by practical demonstration as excellent way to learn. The lessons from this course have increased my learning, and my abilities in photography.”
Colin Gabriel – Student Landscape Photography Weekend ·
“I felt like a real photographer, the course enhanced both my creativity and photography skills.”
David Student Landscape Photography Weekend ·
“The weekend was thoroughly enjoyable and educational. The course combined the best of camping, bushwalking and practical photography. I learnt to improve my skills in taking photos in many situations not just in the bush. What was a great value to me was some personal tutoring of my own camera that has allowed me to obtain better results. Len was very flexable in the subjects and theory we covered and the equipment (digital and film) we could use.”
Craig Griffiths Student Individual Photographic Tuition ·
“I attended a full day photographic workshop with Leonard and asked him to concentrate mainly on my use of the camera and also the process of developing my black and white images. Leonard took me to some excellent locations where he observed the processes I followed, and gave some excellent advice regarding metering, composition and camera movements. The opportunity to process those shots later in the day gave me the instant feedback I needed. The locations that Leonard was able to show me, all within minutes of his studio, meant that the day was spent applying knowledge, not just talking about it. If you are looking for a guide to show you some of the unique locations within the Blue Mountains, I recommend Leonard for both his knowledge of the area, and his photographic knowledge. Leonard has also provided ongoing support and is always willing to provide answers to questions you may have. Many thanks for the workshop, and I look forward to the next opportunity to discover more of the locations in the Blue mountains.”
Matthew Jack, Former Business Partner in Adventure Education Pty Ltd. ·
“As a partner, and observer of these Programs (Sequential Experiential Education Courses for Schools) their success was unquestionable. I observed significant development of the skills of all the staff involved and they themselves speak highly of the Programs. As supervisor and manager of the staff body, Leonard practiced what he preached, he always managed to bring out the best in his staff. They were comfortable enough to address their weaknesses with him, practice self and peer appraisal and come forward with initiatives when they had them. From my perspective Leonard was extremely successful at motivating staff – challenging them and giving them ownership of areas of responsibility, whilst always maintaining control over the quality of outcome.”
Martin Pryor, Form Master, SCECGS Redlands ·
“(The course) was one of the most enjoyable and successful I have experienced. The instruction was first-class in all areas and the pastoral care work has resulted in a well-adjusted, happy and cohesive form. The success of the camp was in no small way due to the professionalism and commitment of yourself and the other Adventure Education instructors. The reports submitted by the students reflect a positive experience and a desire by many to continue the activities to which they were introduced. This is a strong testimony to the effectiveness of the instruction they received.”
Judith Raft, Graduate B.Ed. (Adult Education) UTS ·
“...Leonard has acted as my mentor while I have been studying a B.Ed. in Adult Education. He has always shown great patience and has helped me through some difficult and confusing areas. Leonard has been inspirational and encouraging in my development of new teaching strategies and different ways of looking at problems.”
Sue Fielding, Training and Development Officer, Inner Skill ·
“Len’s skills as an Adult Educator are exemplary. He maintains a very high standard of work, and has shown this in his design of training courses and the delivery of training itself. Leonard is an extremely innovative and dynamic trainer.”
Mohammed Rabii, Student ·
“Leonard is an excellent trainer and creates a supportive environment… This course has opened a lot more doors for me for employment… I have developed my confidence… Thanks Leonard.”
Keith Hurst, Student ·
(Leonard is) “enthusiastic, happy, friendly, willing, dedicated, knowledgeable and genuine. He has good vocal control, is aware of timing, has a good style of presentation and lots of practical experience.”
Peter Holden, Senior Education Officer, Adult Literacy Information Office, Western Sydney Institute of TAFE ·
“Len was the unanimous choice of the interview panel and over the next year he played an integral part in a DEET funded pilot project which developed an enterprise-based approach to training long term unemployed people. Len’s contribution highlighted his skills as an adult educator, a Program planner and a course coordinator. His ability to work co-operatively with senior managers from DEET and the CES, with the staff and management at Inner Skill and with the client group was outstanding… Again, his ability to work co-operatively with all staff and clients and to adapt to the changing nature of Inner Skill’s provision and funding has ensured that the organisation remains one of the foremost vocational and educational training organisations for disadvantaged people in NSW.... As a current member of Inner Skill’s Management Committee and Board of Directors, I have come to trust implicitly Len’s commitment to his work, his dedication to his own development as a trainer, and his honesty in all his dealings with those he works with… His extensive background in adult education across a wide range of sites and across a wide range of curricula, and his extensive experience in working with many varied client groups and individuals places him in an unique position as an adult educator.”
Peter Brown, Project Manager, Kuwait Naval Force Project, Australian Business Office ·
“I would like to thank you for all the effort you have put in to ensure the Bachelor of Teaching ran smoothly. Your area of responsibility has always had a high profile, and has been essential the overall success of the project. We appreciate how well you fitted in with the rest of ‘the team’, and how you related to everyone on the ABO and School staff.”
Hasan Ali Ahkanani Kuwait Ministry of Defense, Air Defense ·
“Dear Mr Leonard, I would like to express my deep appreciation to the efforts exerted by you during the last two years to pass your experience and knowledge on to us. Undoubtedly, I have learned a lot since enrolling in the school because it opened different areas of knowledge which helped me understand many issues which related to me as a person and to my field of study… I would like also to express my respect to you as a person for your good manner and excellent conduct in class. You have always abided by civilized manners when dealing with students and spoke with careful politeness.”
Jalal Jaafar, Major, Kuwait Air Force ·
“(Leonard) was one of the best instructor (sic) which I meet in my life. During the course you treated us like adult learners and you give us trust. You was (sic) very professional in teaching and managing the classroom. I personally learned from you many useful skills and how to be a professional teacher (sic.).”
Rein van de Ruit, Social Worker ·
“One of the aspects that I appreciated was the thoroughness with which Leonard prepared the course, with a logical structure and varied training styles. The trainer demonstrated a keen awareness of adult learning principles and showed respect and appreciation for the depth of knowledge and experience of the participants. This maintained interest in all the participants and we have been able to form a very lively learning group.”
George Schwarz, Head, Photography Department, City Art Institute, NSW Institute of the Arts ·
“(Leonard’s) artistic talent combined with his teaching expertise… is a formidable combination. I have no doubt that we will hear from Leonard in the years ahead. I have great pleasure in commending this young man to anyone seeking a talent in these fields.”
Barbara Percy ·
“I found Leonard to be a dedicated and innovative trainer, whose novel and refreshing approach has renewed my aspirations for the future, in a positive and lasting way.”
Christopher Brown - Community Development Worker ·
“The past sixteen weeks have been a magical mystical tour; challenging my beliefs, introducing new and exciting concepts, valuing my experience, continual encouragement, pushing my boundaries and at all times feeling safe to experiment and experience the new. He (Leonard) even has the ability to make the dull, dry and boring interesting and exciting. Mr Metcalf is an extremely talented educator of vast experience – I have not yet met his equal in some thirty years.”