Tell us a little about yourself.
I became the Lecturer for History Education at the University of Cumbria in September 2023. My university role also involves acting as a personal tutor for several secondary trainee teachers across a range of subjects. Previously I had led or supported history teacher training programmes in four other universities.
Let us know more about your industry/practice background.
I was a secondary school history teacher in north-west England for 18 years, then a local authority teaching and learning consultant. My interest in the nature of learning led me to work with trainee teachers.
What research area do you specialise in?
In the field of education, I have researched and published articles on assessment, learning spaces, coaching, teaching emotive topics and the educational uses of museums and historical sites. In the field of history, I have researched and written about sixteenth century religious conflict and twentieth century pacifism, producing learning resources for schools on both these topics.
What modules do you teach and what is your favourite part of these?
I have devised and delivered the entire Subject Studies course for the history PGCE at the university. My favourite part is giving the trainees the confidence to tackle the many emotive and controversial topics we need to teach in history.
What makes your course different?
The history PGCE course is enriched by visits to museums and historical sites, as well as fresh input provided by expert history educators from organisations such as the National Archives and the Holocaust Educational Trust.
What advice would you give to students considering studying on this course?
Always keep in your mind the vast difference you can make to the life skills of future generations by providing them with a good history education.
What’s your favourite thing about teaching at Cumbria?
Supportive and enthusiastic colleagues in a scenic and inspiring environment
And, finally...
Can you tell us an interesting fact about yourself?
I began my teaching career before the World Wide Web, the National Curriculum and GCSEs. Despite this long period of time in education, I have never been more enthusiastic than I am now about my subject and about the value of good teaching.