Simon C.
About me
| Simon C. | |
| Physics | |
| Theoretical physics | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Goodricke | |
| 1981 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Deputy Headteacher | |
| Norton College | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Education | |
| Medium-size business (50-249 employees) | |
| 1991 |
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A day in the life of a Deputy Headteacher in the United Kingdom
With a PhD in theoretical physics, I am in demand as both a physics and mathematics teacher and would welcome questions from, or opportunities to mentor, others interested in teaching as a career.
My career goals when I graduated
Well, my career goals were not related to teaching...
My career history
I began as a main scale teacher of mathematics, and progressed to a new position in another school as head of physics. From there, I became a head of science. In that role, I taught physics across two schools, and became an Advanced Skills Teacher. I was seconded to the Institute of Physics to work on the Advancing Physics post-16 course, and worked for the AQA examinations board. I worked with staff at the University of York on the 21st Century GCSE science course, and on a research project looking at the use of diagnostic questions in science. I also served on the editorial boards of Physics Review and Physics Education. I was appointed then to a role as an Assistant Headteacher, and then Deputy Headteacher, and worked across four different schools, supporting senior leadership teams in schools which were struggling.
What has helped my career to progress
I never planned my career, but opportunities have arisen and I have taken them when they have. As a science and maths teacher, there will be many opportunities around!
Courses taken since graduation
PhD in theoretical high energy particle physics at the University of Edinburgh
PGCE in mathematics and physics at the University of Cambridge
National Professional Qualification for Headship with the NCSL
National Data Managers' Award with the SSAT.
How my studies have helped my career
My subject studies obviously prepared me well for teaching, but as a numerate graduate I was well prepared to take on the analysis of school data.
What surprised me about my career so far
The diversity of every day in the job!
Where I hope to be in 5 years
The educational landscape is changing rapidly with the probable demise of local authorities and the rise of multi-academy trusts and this will allow me to develop my role further across a number of schools again, rather than working in a single school.
My advice to students considering work
Teaching is an exciting and interesting career - if you are suited for it. If teaching is attractive to you, make sure you get some work experience in schools before you begin training - and if it turns out not to be for you, do not be afraid of changing tack - it is not for everyone.
My advice about working in my industry
As I have already said, teaching is a great career - if you are suited to it. Be prepared to work long hours and to feel the pressure of performance tables and targets, but look forward to the rewards of spending your time developing the interests of young people and of sharing your passions with them.
Contacting me
If you wish to talk about developing a career in education, I would be delighted to hear from you.
What I do
Deputy headteacher at Norton College in North Yorkshire
Skills I use and how I developed them
I teach both mathematics and physics to A level (and have taught at undergraduate level). In addition, I am responsible for the analysis of school data, for teaching and learning across the school, for curriculum and timetabling, and for outcomes in the sixth form. I have worked on curriculum development projects at a national level with the Institute of Physics, the University of York, and one of the major examination boards. I also worked for 25 years as a tutor with the Open University.
What I like most
The great variety of my work, and the opportunity to share my passion for mathematics and physics with young people. I aim to inspire the physicists of the future! I also get a great deal of satisfaction from working on professional development with colleagues at all stages of their careers.
What I like least
At times, the demands and responsibilities of the job are huge, and a considerable time commitment is needed. On balance, however, the rewards greatly outweigh the negative parts of the job.
Next steps...
If you like the look of Simon’s profile, the next steps are down to you! You can send Simon a message to find out more about their career journey. If you feel you would benefit from more in-depth conversations, ask Simon to be your mentor.