How long have you been teaching Computing at BCC for?
This is currently my third year teaching Computing at BCC. Originally I began as the Grades 7 - 9 Computing teacher but after one year I moved up to teach the higher grades and also began my position as IT Coordinator for the EIP department.
Did you have any teaching experience before that?
Yes, of course. Before that I had spent four years working for a company called Fun Language International where I progressed from English Teacher up to the position of Teacher Trainer which involved course development and ensuring new teachers were doing their jobs to the required standards. I got to teach all ages from Kindergarten to Grade 12 during this time.
What is your education background?
At University I completed a four year BSc Computing course from De Montfort University in Leicester. My highest grades were achieved in programming modules where we coded using the Visual Basic.net language. I also studied modules on Web Development, Graphic Design Principles and IT Systems Management. I also completed several IT user Support courses whilst working in my first professional job after finishing school.
So you have experience of working in IT then?
Yes, after leaving school I spent three years working in IT Support at a 6th form college in Leicester which is for students 16 - 18. I also spent 18 months working in an IT Management position for my University's health department after graduating. During my degree I also got the work part time at a school where I developed a touch screen classroom booking system for three months. I have also got a couple of years experience working for an Electronic Assembling company where we made electrical parts that were used in Formula 1 cars and NASA projects.
When did you know you wanted to work in computing?
I guess the first major sign that this was what I wanted to do was when I won a competition for all students in Leicester to design a booklet to introduce visitors to where you live. It was made using Windows 3.1 on an old Atari if my memory is correct. Before that I had been playing around with old BBC and Commodore 64 computers from when I was very young.
Why did you choose Thailand to live and work in?
I have always had the urge to see the world ever since I was child. Thailand is actually the 4th different country that I have lived in after I spent a few years living in Toronto, Canada as a child and spent a year working in Spain when I was older. I guess the main reason as to "Why Thailand?" would be a combination of good job opportunities and the weather, after living in cold England for most of my life I love to live somewhere that is always hot.
So other than teaching what do you enjoy doing?
Well as anyone who has been in my classroom will know, my number one passion is football, football, football. And more specifically Leicester City Football Club. I also love to listen music and watch live bands and to waste my time playing games on my PS4. Overwatch is my game of choice at the minute.