Heads of Department
Professor Harry Ree, 1963 – 1974
Harry Ree was the first Head of Department and the first Provost of Derwent College when it opened in 1965. Harry Ree came to the University of York from an education background. He studied at the Institute of Education, University of London from 1936 to 1937 and then became language master at Bradford Grammar School. During the Second World War Ree volunteered for the Special Operations Executive. He argued against the Allied bombing of France, suggesting that factories should be targeted from the ground instead to avoid civilian loss of life. While serving in France, Ree escaped capture by the Germans despite being shot four times and making his escape through a river and a forest. After the war Ree became headmaster of Watford Grammar School for Boys. Throughout his career Harry Ree was a strong advocate of comprehensive education. He stepped down from his role as Head of the Department in 1974 to return to the classroom, teaching at Woodberry Down Comprehensive School until his retirement in 1980. Harry Ree died in 1991.
Professor Ian Lister, 1974 – 1995
Professor Ian Lister became Head of the Department of Education in 1974 after being a lecturer in Education at York since 1967. Lister had previously taught History and Russian at Haberdashers’ Aske’s School, Elstree and St Paul’s School London. He also lectured at the Universities of Vienna and Salzburg from 1965 to 1967.
Dr Bob Campbell, 1995 – 2002
Dr Bob Campbell joined the Department of Education at York in 1978 and became Head of the Department in 1995. After retiring from the department in 2002, Campbell volunteered for Voluntary Service Overseas. He has worked in Ethiopia, Cambodia and most recently South Sudan, where he has worked on a variety of education based projects.
“I offer my congratulations to all past and present staff and students who have helped establish the Department as one of the leading international centres for teaching, learning, development , scholarship and research in education.” Dr Bob Campbell, 2013
Professor Richard Andrews 2002 – 2006
Professor Richard Andrews joined the Department of Education in 2000 and became Head of the Department in 2002. Andrews’ work has focused on Language and Education. In the 1980s he taught English in Hong Kong. In 2007, Andrews moved to the Institute of Education in London, where he is now Dean of the Faculty of Children and Learning.
“I remember that research was high on the priority list for us in my period as head of department. Congratulations to everyone on making it to 50!” Professor Richard Andrews, 2013
Professor Judith Bennett 2006 – present
Professor Judith Bennett was a student at York in the 1970s. She studied Chemistry with Education and took her Postgraduate Certificate in Education at York. Bennett studied for a MA and then a PhD, at King’s College in London, researching gender issues in science education. Bennett has also worked as a classroom teacher. She states that this experience helped to shape her research in curriculum development and science education. Bennett has worked on a number of national and international science curriculum development projects and has served as Chair of the Research Committee of the Association for Science Education.
“On behalf of the Department of Education, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to staff and students past and present, and friends and colleges near and far, as the Department of Education celebrates its 50th anniversary. Please join us to celebrate past achievements, recognise current successes and help shape our future.” Professor Judith Bennett, 2013