I have always had a love of Science, and I completed my Chemistry degree at the University of Sheffield in 1999, graduating with upper second-class honours. I then pursued my PGCE qualification in Science and began my teaching career in Kettering, my hometown, in the year 2000.
I have been working in secondary schools for over 20 years now, holding various roles such as Head of Department and Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Pathways. In these positions, I have been responsible for planning and implementing both the Science and wider curriculum in secondary schools.
In my first Head of Science role, I led the redevelopment of the Key Stage 3 curriculum and embedded How Science Works skills throughout years 7-9. I created a curriculum that broadened students’ understanding of scientific inquiry and equipped them with the tools to become independent learners.
More recently, I have collaborated with science teams to redesign and implement a new curriculum to prepare for the 9-1 GCSE courses. I worked closely with colleagues to enhance their subject knowledge and practical skills to reflect the more demanding nature of the 9-1 GCSEs. Additionally, I have led STEM programs to engage students in the wider world of science.
I joined the team at UTC South Durham in 2022 as Vice Principal for Curriculum and Standards. My hobbies include restoring vintage items, DIY projects, enjoying cinema, and gardening.