Passing of former President of NSW Board of Studies Sam Weller

From his first teaching appointment in 1958, Sam was a dedicated history teacher who believed passionately in education. He received a number of promotions in schools and was Deputy Principal, Colo High School, and was appointed Inspector of Schools then Staff Inspector. 

With the establishment of the Board of Studies in 1990, Sam was appointed General Manager (Curriculum) and was responsible for a team of Board Inspectors and Curriculum Officers to develop the curriculum for all levels in NSW schools and to administer the Registration and Accreditation programs for non-Government schools in the state.

In the early days of his appointment to the Board of Studies (1991-1992), Sam was deployed to work on a major curriculum project of national significance where he made a lasting contribution.  He was the NSW representative on the National Steering Committee for a curriculum mapping project for the National Educational Ministerial Council. 

Sam was described as one of the early “movers and shakers” in developing the new Year 7-10 syllabuses in History and in Modern History for the Higher School Certificate (HSC).  Certainly, from the beginning of the Board he was a leading light in the emerging curriculum development model.

Sam became President during a period of change at the Board of Studies. Under his astute leadership, he navigated through turbulence and brought stability to the Board of Studies. Sam is remembered for being very conscious of his staff during this time, and being a visionary but realistic and courageous leader.

For his distinguished services to education at both the state and national levels, Sam was awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) in the 1998 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

He was one of the original trustees of the Brother John Taylor Memorial Prize. This prestigious award has been presented each year since 1994 to a student or students who have overcome significant disadvantage or hardship to attain academic excellence in their HSC. Even though he was long retired and living in Western Australia, Sam was still involved in the selection of the awardees of the prize, up until January of this year.

Sam was charming, intelligent and supportive of staff and will be fondly remembered by all who worked with him throughout his distinguished career. It was a privilege to work with such a thoughtful and committed educator who shared his knowledge of great curriculum, pedagogy, leadership and management with all.

NSW Education Standards Authority acknowledges Sam’s many contributions to curriculum development and his lasting legacy to NSW education.