Lecturer in Public & Uniformed Services
Chris joined Sunderland College in August 2018 with more than a decade’s experience in teaching, he is also a qualified gym instructor, personal trainer and football coach.
I have a Foundation Degree in Fitness Instruction and Sports Massage, a BSc (Hons) in Exercise Science and a PGCE qualification.
I also have various gym-based qualifications such as Level 2 Gym Instructor, Level 3 Personal Trainer and an Instructing Kettle bells qualification as well as coaching qualifications in sports including football and basketball.
Alongside this I also have TAQA levels 301 and 303 plus a level 4 in Developing Writing Skills in learners with dyslexia.
I have over 10 years’ experience in education, starting at Hartlepool College of Further Education teaching Sport and Public Services before moving to Sunderland College in 2014.
I have also worked at Sunderland AFC’s official charity, Foundation of Light, and returned to Sunderland College in 2018.
In this job I teach across a variety of levels within sports and public service. I teach, assess, mark, support learners and develop partnerships with different public uniformed services so my students get to see what is on offer. I plan different schemes of learning for each new academic year; I also communicate with parents and awarding bodies.
A big part of it is that I believe my personality is suited well to this industry. Teaching was always something I thought I would enjoy as it is different every day and very rewarding.
The best part is working in partnership with the uniformed public services as it shows the students the real-world examples and provides them with great experience whilst they complete their studies.
One highlight of my current role was when my students were offered the opportunity to be on Northumbria Police’s stop and search scrutiny panel, because of the partnership I built up with the Northumbria Police. It is a fantastic opportunity for those involved and I am very proud to have organised this within my role and in collaboration with the police.
My children. I am always striving to be a better person because of them and I want to be a good role model for them.
Education helps to develop young people not only academically but also gives them life skills to take with them as they progress. Education is vital as it can provide opportunities for people to be able to fulfil their dreams.
A huge impact. We are trying to develop life skills and people skills which they can take with them for the rest of their lives. Education isn’t just about who can achieve the highest grade it is about nurturing the young people so they can be the best version of themselves.
Customer services assistant in Tesco.
What inspires your students?
Working with the public services and innovation – they are really engaged with these aspects. They also like a challenge – thinking outside the box.
My favourite teacher was my Science teacher Mr Fawcett. As a young student I really admired the way he got on with the other pupils and the manner in which he taught his lessons.
Good people can achieve great things.
Friendly, hardworking, committed.
Believe in yourself, be the hardest worker in the room and don’t let any obstacles stand in your way.
What are next Saturday night’s lottery numbers going to be?
Running, keeping fit and football.
