I have alnost 25 years teaching  experience in various schools. My main subject is Physics, but I also teach the Mechanics part of the Mathematics A level and also I can deliver the other Science subjects. I have always been involved in student careers counselling and see preparing students for university as a very important part of my job. I joined Avenor in 2017 and it was a smart choice. I love it here and I love being in Romania.

I graduated in 1991 from the University of Edinburgh and then spent a few years doing research at the University of Salford into Photonics and subsequently obtained a Master’s Degree for my work. Whilst at Edinburgh, I discovered my love for teaching. I did a lot of voluntary work helping the poorest in society and the homeless with literacy and numeracy. I saw that education could be life changing.

It would be a few years before the teaching and the Physics finally came together and I qualified as a Physics Teacher. I have also taught the other Sciences and Maths for examination and extra-curricular Religion & Philosophy and Critical Thinking. Pastoral work for the full range of pupils in the IGCSE and A level years has always featured heavily in my schedule; life skills, encouraging creativity, coping with stress and friendship issues, helping with careers, work experience and university choices are all part of what I can do.

I am well aware that not everyone will share my enthusiasm for Physics. My goal is to make sure that everyone will reach the level they are capable of and that they will be proud of their achievements. When I was training to teach, the often repeated phrase was “telling isn’t teaching”. To teach involves so much more than telling someone the facts and telling them what to do. To teach is an honour and a responsibility – it involves leading and encouraging and giving students the skills and resilience to pick themselves up from their mistakes and face the challenges of life with confidence. There is no better job!

My students know me for my patience, humour and enthusiasm and also for my high standards. If you asked them they would tell you that I am always available for help and encouragement.

This is not a country or a school I chose at random to teach in. For many reasons, I am very happy to be at Avenor and to be in Romania. This is an amazing, beautiful and vibrant country and it feels like home.