I have been a secondary teacher in Chemistry and Science for 10 years. Previous to this I worked in the Electronics, Environmental and Pharmaceutical Industries. I therefore have a good mix of skills and genuine enthusiasm to make Science engaging and relevant to young people. I have built up experience and a thorough knowledge of S1/2 science courses, National 4 and 5 and Higher Chemistry Courses. I also have some experience of teaching Standard Grade Biology.
I helped to develop CfE science courses for S1/2 pupils. As a Chemistry department all the science outcomes were looked at to establish any cross curricular themes like for 'Climate Change', the Geography Department, for 'Chemical Reactions' the Home Economics Department and for Earth's Materials use could be made of my CPD event 'Earth Science Outdoors' ran by the SESEF. I developed the acids and alkalis section which required me to liaise with staff in the Geography Department. I created lesson plans, Smart Board lessons, worksheets and assessments.
I have recently been involved in developing course materials for National 4 and 5. I developed lessons using ICT, smartboard and PowerPoint
software I also incorporated visible learning/formative assessment opportunities like collaborative group tasks- card sorts for acid and
alkalis, the show and tell boards- for introducing the mole and cooperative group work for equations and mole calculations. I also encouraged
pupils to become confident individuals and responsible citizens by getting them to prepare an Acid Rain presentation to the rest of the class.
This was assessed by two stars and a wish. I have further collaborated with chemistry staff in department and sometimes other schools in
considering any changes to the National Course Specifications especially in regard to Unit Learning Outcomes and Chemistry Assignments at
NAT5, Higher and Advanced Higher. I was recently involved in the verification process of Higher and Advanced Higher assignments