Length of service at Prior's Field (in 2020): 19 years

Department: Science

1. Are you doing what you thought you’d be doing after you left school?

No, I had no intention of becoming a teacher when I left school.  I was rather an awkward teenager, and avoided anything that involved speaking in public!  My plan was to become a research chemist, and hopefully make a new and exciting discovery.  I first became interested in teaching during my PhD at the University of Aberdeen when I worked as a practical demonstrator in the undergraduate teaching labs.  I also signed up to teach Chemistry for the university summer school, and soon realised that I was enjoying the teaching more than the research.  During the final year of my PhD, I volunteered one afternoon a week as a teaching assistant in the Science dept of a local secondary school in Aberdeen.  I also started a Saturday morning Science club for four to ten-year-olds, which made me realise that primary school teaching was definitely NOT for me! 

The following year I started my PGCE to train as a Secondary school Chemistry and Biology teacher in Scotland but failed to get a teaching job in Scotland.  Rather than giving up I started to apply in England as well, and eventually (after about 12 failed interviews) got a one year position at Tomlinscote School in Camberley.  After that I taught at Homewood School in Tenterden, Kent for 3 years, then moved to Prior's Field in 2001.  I have been here ever since!

2. What would you say is your biggest achievement, the thing you’re most proud of professionally or personally?  

My greatest achievement professionally was reaching the final of the Salters' Chemistry teacher of the year competition in 2003.  I finished as runner up.  For the semi-final round, they sent a team of three observers to come and watch one of my 5th year lessons, which was one of the most nerve-racking experiences of my life.  The final was an equally strenuous interview panel at the Salters Institute in London.

I'm also very keen on sport, especially golf and tennis.  In 2018 I became the first person to win the Singles Match Play for the fourth time at Charterhouse Golf Club.  My previous victories were in 2008, 2011 and 2012.  That is the main tournament of the year, so the winner is considered to be the club champion.

3. If you could have an inspirational leader to a dinner party, who would it be and why?

No surprises here, I'm going to pick my fellow Scotsman, Sir Andy Murray.  In 2013 he became the first British winner of the Men's Singles at Wimbledon for 77 years and repeated his triumph in 2016.  He also won the US Open in 2012 and reached number one in the World rankings in 2016.  Following a hip operation in 2019 he was told that he would never play professional tennis again, yet came back and won the Antwerp masters only 9 months later.  No doubt he would have won a lot more, but for the fact that he has played in the same era as three of the greatest champions of the sport: Djokovic, Nadal and Federer.  Incredible achievements, considering that as an eight-year-old, Andy witnessed and survived the Dunblane School massacre.

4. Do you have a favourite quote, expression or mantra which inspires you to keep going?

To make progress in Science, sport or life, learning to deal with and embrace failure is very important:

There is no failure
except in no longer trying.
Elbert Hubbard

I have not failed,
I have just found 10,000 ways
that won’t work.
Thomas Edison

FAIL = First Attempt In Learning!

5. What advice would you give to today’s girls who may be wondering which path to take beyond school?

My advice is to choose a university course or career that YOU are really excited about.  If you are not enjoying what you are doing, reconsider your options and change path.  If you haven't decided on a career yet choose A levels that you enjoy, and that keep your options open.  I had no idea what I wanted to do when I was a teenager, and only finally decided to become a teacher at age 25.