Josh McHugh

Workshop Facilitator, Future Anything

Meet Future Anything is our quickfire interview series where we hit up our legendary team members to learn a little more about the people in the famous Future Anything T-shirts! In this edition, we talk to Josh McHugh, one of our epic Workshop Facilitators.

1. What is a fun fact about yourself that no one would guess about you?

I am a trained horticulturalist by technical trade, and I love gardening.

2. What are your top two career highlights to date?

It was a huge highlight when I received my pastoral leader position because I had continually worked hard for it, and I had been really wanting to get the position.

I don’t know if this is an odd one but I guess the choice of focusing on one area of teaching – design in teaching, evolving education and following that passion within teaching was pretty cool.

3. What brought you to Future Anything?

Again, this is a huge passion and interest of mine. I believe this is the best way for people to be learning as well as I just like the fact that I get to promote this way of learning and bringing creativity and curiosity back into learning and teaching. Also, the idea that I get to visit different schools and different students, it’s pretty cool.

4. What excites you most about Future Anything’s work?

What excites me the most about the work that Future Anything does would definitely be that level of bringing back curiosity through learning. I also love the fact that there is such a strong element and emphasis on entrepreneurship and how it can build confidence in young people. I am intrigued by the endless possibilities and enjoy watching the process of young people finding a problem that they are passionate about turning it into their mission to reach a solution.

5. What is a goal that you are currently working towards?

The goal I am currently working towards is really focusing in on an area in teaching and learning that I am passionate about and really trying to give it my everything to help make a difference and impact. I am excited to see where it can take me and how I can continue to develop my skills so that young people and educators can continue to benefit from this style of teaching.

6. What‘s the funniest / weirdest thing that has ever happened to you in a classroom?

Early during my teaching career when I was during prac to work towards my degree, there was a particular handwriting lesson that I was teaching. During that lesson the weirdest and funniest thing happened to me. Out of the blue there was one student who farted. I started to giggle and then suddenly, every student behind me started to fart as well, it was like a symphony. I could not control my laughter any longer, I was in stiches along with the students.

7. Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

It changes all the time but a big inspiration for me of late is Simon Sinek and his work around finding your why. It is so inspirational to hear the impact that this can have, and I think that the work that he has been doing is so interesting and important.

8. What is your dream holiday destination?

Everywhere in Europe!

9. What changes/innovations/trends in education in Australia or globally are most interesting to you at the moment?

I have been very intrigued about the development and evolvement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI. I am also very fascinated about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) and where it will be heading in the future. It will also be very interesting to see where these two elements can go hand in hand and how AI can be utilised in education by both students and educators to improve and assist education.

10. A quick fast five:

• Coffee or Tea – Coffee, absolutely.
• Books or podcasts – Podcasts
• Savoury or Sweet – Sweet, I’m a sucker for a sweet treat.
• Summer or Winter – Winter, I prefer to be cold than hot.
• Beach or Mountains – Mountains, I hate the sand.

11. Lastly – favourite book or podcast you would recommend and why?

My favourite book would probably have to be “The Power of One” by Bryce Courtenay.

More about Future Anything’s Josh McHugh

Josh McHugh is a seasoned educator with over a decade of experience in the education sector. Throughout his career, Josh has held various pastoral leadership roles, where he has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for students. His leadership is characterized by a deep understanding of the diverse needs of students and a dedication to their holistic development. With his experience and dedication to innovative teaching practices, Josh continues to inspire and positively impact the lives of his students, preparing them for a successful future.

As a Future Anything Workshop Facilitator, Josh leads our engaging student-facing workshops, including  Flare, Spark and Ignite, our one-, two- and week-long workshops for school students in Years 5 – 12.