We caught up with Blake Hicks, the creative powerhouse behind Haileybury City’s co-curricular art scene, to find out how he sparks imagination and builds meaningful connections in the classroom. When he is not inspiring young artists, Blake wears multiple hats — leading VCE Artmaking and Exhibiting Units 3 and 4 and guiding students as a homeroom teacher. 

One of the people who inspired me the most to teach was Mr Rogers, my Year 2 teacher. He kept some of my Year 2 work just so he could present them to me at my Year 12 graduation. It was such a thoughtful thing to do.  It really affected me, and I want to make others feel as valued as he did for me.   

I love that we prioritise creativity at Haileybury. Creative classes can foster student bonding and growth by encouraging openness and safe self-expression.  

I encourage students to set personal goals and work towards achieving them based on their own individual learning journey.  This might be changing their study habits, improving their time management or appreciating their own artwork better. My aim is to help them to focus on making each day better, and learning from mistakes.  

There is a quote displayed in one of the classrooms: ‘Comparison is the thief of joy.’  It is important for young people to recognise that we all have different levels of experience and skills. I encourage them to concentrate on their own progress and what is best for them, rather than making comparisons. 

The best teaching advice I received was from a friend, Ngaire. She taught me to be authentic in everything that I do.  

I aim to provide honest, valuable feedback and be part of genuine conversations. I also encourage students to develop their own self-discipline so they can achieve their personal goals.  

I’ve seen students achieve fantastic outcomes when they have been able to enjoy the agency and trust to make their own decisions. 

I love doing art projects, particularly illustration. I also enjoy going to the movies and surfing.