Teaching
I gained a PGCE qualification from Durham University in 2008, and up until 2016 I was working as a primary school class teacher across a variety of institutions. During this time I planned, resourced and delivered schemes of work across every national curriculum subject.
Favourite bits?
That look of realisation on students' faces when they finally 'get' something - it's priceless every time. My desire to keep getting that 'buzz' led me to devoting more and more time to creating great resources that would encourage it, and in turn developing a fun, interactive presentation style that would make the most of these.
So you liked the tech side?
Absolutely. I became known in schools for my use of technology in the classroom, and have given staff training sessions on the use of interactive whiteboards (using SMART Notebook and Promethean ActivInspire), as well as providing school-wide technology support and advising on iPad use.
Excavating
As well as an interest in our digital future, I'm also fascinated by the past, and what we can learn from it about our own development as a civilisation. After graduating with a degree in Archaeology from Durham, I've worked as a qualified field archaeologist across a range of sites in Britain, ranging from the paleolithic era to Victorian occupation. I also gained a CSCS card accreditation, which enabled me to work within ongoing construction sites - a must for urban archaeology.
But weren't you a teacher?
That's right - but 13 weeks of school holidays, including 6 during the summer, were the perfect opportunity to return to commercial archaeology work. I enjoyed the contrast to school life; excavation is great physical exercise, and I love being outdoors. Plus, archaeological sites lend themselves well to some amateur digital photography!
One word to summarise field archaeology? 'Teamwork'. The job requires constant discussion and collaboration in order that a united interpretation of the site and its features is developed.
Excavation checklist: Shovel, mattock (pickaxe), bucket, 'barrow, hand shovel, hoe, trowel, water bottle...and mud. Lots of mud. Ready to roll!
The heavy duty tools and outdoor conditions can be pretty extreme, even for steel capped boots. This trusty pair only lasted me 6 weeks!
One word to summarise field archaeology? 'Teamwork'. The job requires constant discussion and collaboration in order that a united interpretation of the site and its features is developed.