Dr Phil Wright

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’ve worked at the University of Cumbria in the Primary Initial Teacher Education team since December 2022. I now get to combine my experience and knowledge of practice and theory to encourage student teachers to consider their role in shaping society for the common good, through the children they care for.

Let us know more about your industry/practice background.

I have worked in primary schools for over 25 years, as a teacher and school leader, both in the UK and overseas (Tanzania & Malawi), serving communities across a wide range of demographics. I have particularly enjoyed leading PE, maths and developing children’s agency to effect positive changes for themselves and others.

What research area do you specialise in?

I am passionate about any aspects of educational research which seek to address issues of social justice. My doctoral focus was about how teachers can adapt their practice and thinking to challenge the perceived need for ability grouping. Subsequently, I have engaged with studies about the implicit beliefs teachers hold about ‘ability’ and how these shape their pedagogic choices and interactions with children.

What modules do you teach and what is your favourite part of these?

I teach across the Primary PGCE programme, and particularly enjoy encouraging our students to think about how they can ‘challenge disadvantage’ through their classroom choices (this is a common thread through any of the sessions I deliver).

What makes your course different?

It is exciting to help our students recognise the potential they have to have a positive impact in the lives of the children they care for – exemplified by an emphasis on the social nature of learning and the need for all children to have a sense of belonging and voice.

What advice would you give to students considering studying on this course?

Be ready to make a difference – your interactions with; expectations of; and care for children will have an impact on their lives. That is exciting!

What’s your favourite thing about teaching at Cumbria?

As a team, we know our students really well and aim to model the care and provision we hope they provide for their children, with how we care for them.

And, finally...

Can you tell us an interesting fact about yourself?

I once spent a night in a prison cell, eating chicken curry, in ‘no man’s land’ between South Africa and Swaziland – got to the border a bit late and it was the only place left to stay. Oops!