As a committed and enthusiastic Teacher I am passionate about the subjects I teach. I strive to stay on the cutting edge of my subject and be an early adaptor of ICT Tools. As an adult volunteer in the Scout Association I have looked after children between the ages of 5 and 16, I have led international expeditions and I now appoint and train new adults to the movement.
Teaching Experience & Employment
Head of ICT: Spratton Hall School, Northamptonshire
Appointed in September 2010 I am the lead teacher of ICT to the whole school (4 to 13 yrs). I co-ordinate the use of ICT in other departments and the other teachers of descrete ICT. I take the lead role in IT capital expenditure, writing the development plan and project managing the installation of key infrastructure and new technologies. I manage the relationship with key suppliers and service contract holders.
Science & Technology Teacher: The Crescent School, Bilton, Rugby
Since 2006 I have taught ICT and D&T to the whole school (3 to 11 yrs) and Science to Key stage 2. I am the Network Manager. As part of my work I have re-designed the school website, created promotional videos and designed and edited the school magazine. I have recently project managed the refurbishment of the ICT Suite and replacement of Interactive whiteboards.
PGCE Teaching Practice Two: Franksbridge CP School Years 3, 4 and 5.
A very rural school teaching a diverse age and ability range where I used a variety of classroom management and teaching styles to bring about effective learning. This was combined with a lively teaching approach in order to motivate and encourage the children in meeting their potential. Appropriate differentiation of task, and a flexible approach to planning and teacher focus was needed to teach in this highly demanding environment.
PGCE Teaching Practice One Rhayader Church in Wales School Years 3 and 4.
A mixed ability class, with a higher then average number of children on the SEN Register where I taught across the curriculum, My participation in school life included attending staff and PTA meetings, after-school clubs, parents evenings, and leading a KS2 Act of Worship. My good humoured and non-threatening approach reflected the ethos and day to day practices of the school.
ICT Skills Profile
I am a professional member of the British Computing Society, working towards being a charted IT Professional. I have extensive knowledge and experience in the use and maintenance of a number of computer platforms; Microsoft Windows (95/98/NT/2000/XP/7), Linux and Apple OS X. My Computer Science Degree taught me skills in project management, Sun’s Java and Microsoft C#.
As an RM Certified Network Technician, I can maintain computer Networks (Windows 2003, 2008), Servers and Desktop computers. I am also adept at troubleshooting problems with a substantial range of devices that attach to computers, including printers, scanners, cameras, projectors and interactive whiteboards.
Education and Qualifications
- University of Wales, Aberystwyth – 2005 to 2006 – PGCE: Primary
- University of Wales, Aberystwyth – 2002 to 2005 – BSc Computer Science (Honours)
- Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College – 2000to 2002 – AS: 5 B to C A2: 4 B to D
- Staindrop Comprehensive School – 1995 to 2000 – GCSE : 10 A* to C
Other Qualifications & Membership of Professional Bodies
- First Response: First Aid
- Queen’s Scout Award
- RM Certified Technician
- Scout Association Wood Badge (Advanced Leader Training)
- RYA: Level 2 Sailing
- BCU: 3 Star Kayaking
- PADI Open Water Diver
- RYA: Level 2 Powerboating
- Naace (ICT in Education)
- DATA (Design & Technology Association)
- MBCS (Professional Member of British Computing Society)
Voluntary work in Scouting & Schools
- Lead Volunteer, National Programme Review Project - 2011 to Present
Working with a team of staff & senior volunteers I am the voluntary project lead on a project to refresh or rewrite large areas of the UK Scout Associations Programme. I started on the team who re-wrote the educational objectives and now we are creating new structures and rewards to match. - Assistant County Commissioner Development, Warwickshire - 2011 to Present
I’m currently working with a number of volunteers to expand existing successful scout groups and start new ones in different parts of Warwickshire. - Member, National Educational Objectives Project – 2010 to 2011
I worked with an exciting team of volunteers to re-write the educational objectives for the UK Scout Association. - Beaver Scout Leader, 7th Rugby - 2006 to 2011
I lead a team delivering a programme of activities for 5 ¾ to 8 year old boys and girls. This includes sleepovers, day visits and regular weekly evenings. - Chairman, Appointments Committee, Rugby - 2009 to 2010
I was responsible for the process that appoints scout leaders in rugby. I interview prospective volunteers and am part of the child protection procedure. - Assistant Leader, Rugby Canada Expedition - Summer 2009
Working with a team, I took a key role in the fundraising and financial management of an exciting expedition in 2009 with 25 young people and 5 adults. - Unit Leader, Wales Contingent to 21st World Jamboree - 2006 to 2007
Leader-in-Charge of a Unit of 36 teenagers and 4 Adults, attending the largest youth event in the world. I was the point of contact, ultimately responsible pastorally and financially. - Unit Leader, Wales Contingent to 1st Serbian Jamboree - Summer 2006
Co-Leader for a small group of teenagers to this event held inSerbia. I was responsible for their pastoral care, booking flights and local contacts. - Handicraft Director, Boy Scouts of America - Summer 2004
Managing a team of 3 I delivered week long activities including first aid, wood carving, photography and international understanding. I looked after a unit of 40 individual campers. - Scout Leader, 3rd Aberystwyth - 2003 to 2006
I recruited a team of Student adults and delivered a highly exciting programme of activities to 10 to 14yr teenagers. I grew the numbers from 2 to 32 young people and offered the largest number of camps in the county. - Voluntary Classroom Assistant, Ysgol LLwyn yr Eos - 2002 to 2005
My role was to support and encourage the children with additional needs. I promoted good behaviour using a positive approach which helped the pupils to become more focused. Working with a small group of children, I was able to gain experience of building their self esteem within the classroom environment. Enabling the children feel valued was a key part of the schools approach to pastoral care.