David

It takes just one teacher to inspire a lifetime’s work. Galileo said, “You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him discover it in himself”. This is what I was told by my first Science teacher at secondary school; something about this idea, and her subsequent inspiring lessons, encouraged me to delve into the world of science. Having been motivated by such an outstanding teacher, I now wish to give back to students an equally inspirational education, engendering a love, respect, and understanding of Chemistry and science in general, with all the complexities it has to offer. This is the principle at the heart of my pedagogical approach to teaching.

I am currently completing my PGCert in Education at the University of Oxford (Jesus College), having graduated from the University of Leeds with a Master’s degree in Medicinal Chemistry. In September 2020, I will be teaching at an independent boarding school for boys in Windsor.

I am a dedicated and professional graduate teacher who brings positivity and creativity to the classroom, building confidence in my students by facilitating a flexible approach to learning. I know from my own personal interest and research into enquiry-based learning of the inherent benefits of turning spontaneous and intuitive judgments into more systematic investigations. Through a student-centered approach to teaching Science, which focusses on investigation rather than simply recalling facts, it facilitates access to higher domains of Bloom’s (1956) Taxonomy (e.g. synthesis and evaluation), improving knowledge consolidation and prompts an increased responsibility for learning and the development of self-reflection skill.

Willing to travel: Home Only

Experience: • During my Master’s Degree at the University of Leeds, I undertook research across a range of science, both technical and in regards to how science affects society, whilst my Dissertation concentrated on the biochemical application of enzymes in cancer research. This research was published in the Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications Journal.

• I am currently completing my PGCE at the University of Oxford (Jesus College), and am teaching a wide curriculum of Science. My classes range from EAL students to KS3, KS4 and Sixth Form. I have an in-depth knowledge of the National Curriculum, particularly at GCSE and A-Level.

• I have undertaken research projects with the University of Oxford relating to PSHE and Theories of Learning in Practice, and the importance of practical experiments in science lessons to engage and inspire students.

• As a Royal Society of Chemistry Teacher Training Scholar, I benefit from access to exclusive RSC resources and development sessions.

• I am involved in an Access to Oxford scheme run by the University of Oxford, with information provided on how to support students with Oxbridge applications. Through this scheme, students are able to visit Trinity College and speak to current undergraduates and admissions officers to gain invaluable advice regarding UCAS applications.

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