Published on August 5, 2024
Since graduating from Hunter Valley Grammar School (HVGS) in 2004, Rebecca (Bec) Scane has embarked on a fascinating and varied journey. Immediately after graduation, she spent six months on exchange in Japan, a country that would become central to her life and career. She then moved to Canberra to study Japanese and Japanese Linguistics at the Australian National University (ANU). This academic foundation led her to a role as a Co-ordinator for International Relations (CIR) with the Japan Exchange Teaching (JET) Programme, where she was placed in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture. Bec lived and worked in Japan until 2013, when she returned home to complete her Masters in Teaching.
In 2014, Bec’s journey took her to the United Kingdom, where she initially lived in London and then moved to Newcastle Upon Tyne, the city of her birth. There, she embraced teaching before transitioning to a position with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the Pension Service. At DWP, she served as a telephony agent and later as a team leader. Her career continued to evolve, and in October 2023, she began working at Newcastle University as a Research Administrator. Bec is set to start a new role as a Research Excellence Framework (REF) Administrator in September, overseeing the pilot of a new REF area—a challenge she eagerly anticipates.
Outside of her diverse career, Bec is passionate about spending quality time with her family and friends. She has a deep love for board gaming and cross stitch, and she enjoys reading, with fantasy and sci-fi being her preferred genres. Camping and exploring new places are also activities she relishes when the opportunity arises.
Reflecting on her time at HVGS, Bec has many fond memories. She particularly enjoyed her language classes and appreciated the unwavering support of the teachers and staff. The friendships she formed during her school years remain some of her most cherished memories. Hosting Japanese students and later visiting Japan herself were standout experiences. She maintains a close bond with the first exchange student she hosted, a friendship that has endured for 23 years. These relationships and experiences have had a lasting impact on her life.
If Bec could offer advice to her high school self, it would be to continue enjoying every moment and to embrace the unexpected paths life presents. Her journey has been a testament to making the most of every opportunity.
One surprising fact about Bec is her current pursuit of becoming a Reader (Licensed Lay Minister) in the Church of England. This path reflects her dedication to personal growth and her commitment to serving her community in diverse ways.
Bec Scane’s post-HVGS journey is a remarkable blend of international experiences, diverse career roles, and personal passions. Her story is a testament to the enduring impact of the education and relationships formed at HVGS, and her ability to adapt and thrive in various environments continues to inspire.