My initial teaching qualification was achieved at Loughborough College of Education where great emphasis was placed on excellent hand skills and a thorough knowledge of the materials being worked, both traditional (all aspects of woodworking and metalworking) and modern (‘new’ materials including plastics and electronics). Having taught in all types of schools across the broad ‘handicraft’ curriculum since 1971, along with experience as a local authority specialist adviser, considerable involvement with examination boards along with RDTHSC status and a period in the industrial commercial side of education, I can offer a wealth of experience along with standards of achievement currently not always evident in our subject field.
My mission is to help and assist all colleagues in the delivery of this vital area of study by providing a sound background knowledge and understanding in the safe and successful teaching of Design & Technology along with the technical ability to demonstrate, educate and enthuse our young students within this exciting area of study and achievement. Confidence in teaching comes through a thorough understanding of safety systems and risk assessments and this part of my personal brief involves educating all D&T colleagues in a full understanding of the machinery used in schools so that they can then use them appropriately and relate modern production processes to student ideas.