Coaching
Post-Compulsory Education
Science Education

I graduated from Durham University with a B.Sc. in Applied Physics and Electronics and then worked for several years at GEC Hirst Research Centre in the Optical Techniques Group, principally using electron microscopes as analytical instruments. Becoming a little bored with repetitive analyses, I chose the teaching route, studying for a PGCE at Southampton University, since when I can say, whatever my emotions may have been, I have never been bored.

I taught science, principally Physics and Chemistry at a secondary school in Salisbury, then, after a career break, returned to Southampton, where I have taught in several secondary schools, and most recently was team leader of GCSE Science and Physics at a local sixth form college.

While working in the post-compulsory sector, I trained as a Subject Learning Coach on the first cohort of a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course run by the Standards Unit for the sector. This fired my enthusiasm for engagement with CPD across the college, and for developing my own evidence led practice, which included engagement with action research with my own students. I was the NQT mentor in college, which involved mentoring and coaching the newly qualified teachers, and also managing the PGCE students in college.

I joined the School of Education in January 2008 as a Senior Teaching Fellow with the specific task of introducing the extended (18 and 24 month) PGCE secondary science courses focusing on physics subject knowledge. I am interested in researching gender issues in the study of physics and the uptake of physics in secondary schools and sixth form colleges.

Lacrosse has been my main passion beyond my family, and I have participated as player, umpire and administrator at a variety of levels over the years. I enjoy running socially (i.e. at a pace which allows for chat), music of all sorts, bird watching, bee keeping, reading and have occasionally engaged in skiing and subaqua diving.

1. Sciences 18 month PGCE: Physics
2. Sciences 2 year PGCE: Physics

1. Sciences 1 year PGCE