I trained at Worcester College of Higher Education before moving to Essex. I taught for a total of 28 years in two schools in Essex and one in the London Borough of Redbridge where I was the Head of Design and Technology teaching Food, Textiles, Resistant Materials, Systems and Control, Graphics and Construction.

I also worked as an Adult Education tutor for the London Borough of Havering teaching Food based practical sessions.

I worked closely with the University of East London for a number of years as a Mentor and also as a Teacher Fellow attached to Design and Technology which gave me a chance to input into the PGCE programme and culminated in delivering a research paper at a National Conference with other lecturers from UEL.

I was appointed as one of the first 50 Licence to Cook Lead practitioners and through my association with UEL also became an assessor for the programme which involved me visiting schools across England.

I became a Food in Schools accredited trainer in 2009 which has meant involvement in the teaching of Food at Key Stage 2. 

My work in schools also involved me in developing projects with different groups in Redbridge to tackle the issue of obesity and I worked with families trying to give them a better understanding of the need for a healthy diet to combat dietary problems.

Trainees on the PGCE Secondary Design and Technology programme

As part of my work at UEL I deliver sessions to all the Primary trainees.

Teaching Food/ Textiles/Resistant Materials/Construction/Graphics /Systems and Control.

Design and Technology input into the Primary programme

Issues related to obesity/healthy eating

Mentor training – I hold a level 2 London Providers certificate

• PGCE - Secondary and Primary
• GTP

I am currently researching factors which affect pupil perceptions of Design and Technology in Secondary schools.

I had  an article published in the Secondary Education research journal -Summer 2012 on the teaching of Global Dimensions through the Secondary Design and Technology Curriculum

I have developed a subject enhancement course for students joining the Design and Technology course ;designed to improve their subject knowledge in the areas of Food and Textiles Technology.

I have developed the Mentor training programme for Secondary PGCE and GTP mentors and I am involved in its delivery at sessions within the University and in schools.

I am a Community Governor for UEL and I am currently a Director on the Board of the Hornbeam Academy in Walthamstow as well as a Director appointed Governor on the board of William Morris Special School.

I am a member of the ITE google group for Design and Technology and an active member of the Design and Technology Association attending conferences and holding CPD sessions for teachers to enhance their subject knowledge.