In my second year of study I recognised that I wanted to enter education. I was attracted to education because of the exciting opportunities available due to the change in national curriculum. The 'teaching computer science in schools' module reaffirmed my aspirations of becoming a teacher. Later that year I was accepted onto a school’s direct course at Newman University. I trained on the job for one year, and now teach Computer Science in an academy school.

What is the best thing about what you are doing now?

Every day is different, I am constantly learning about my students and what may impede or benefit their learning. I particularly enjoy investigating the implementation of research-driven teaching strategies in the classroom as well as contributing towards curriculum design, data analysis and whole school training. I lead a computing department which now has excellent results and work with other schools in our MAT to develop computing education. I deliver subject pedagogy sessions to trainee teachers also. There are many avenues that you can follow in education and there are always new and exciting opportunities arising. Seeing students who have a passion for computer science progress and succeed throughout their time in school is incredibly rewarding.

What motivates you?

When a student has a 'lightbulb moment' both inside and outside of my classroom; that drives me to be the best teacher that I can be every day.

What are your fondest memories of the University?

Developing a completely new friendship circle and the challenges faced throughout the course.

How did you grow as a person by coming to the University?

During my time at university I improved my problem-solving skills; not just within computer science. The skills which the course gave me allowed me to become a stronger, more independent problem solver.

Did you find the degree programme at Birmingham challenged you?

Yes, most definitely. Before coming to university, I had studied a BTEC in Information Technology, so some of the concepts were tricky to conquer at first, but with time and practise they came naturally. Programming was initially a tough topic for me, but again practice made perfect.