Experience

International Baccalaureate

• Switzerland
• Education Administration Programs
• 700 & Above Employee

• Curriculum development consultant

  • Oct 2022 - Present



International Baccalaureate

• Switzerland
• Education Administration Programs
• 700 & Above Employee

• DP Curriculum Manager: Design Tech (2009-2022), Computer Science (2014-2022), ITGS (2014-2016)

  • Oct 2009 - Jun 2022

  I led the curriculum review of the above subjects according to the review cycle, authoring and publishing a ground-breaking Design technology guide. To compliment the publication of the guide, I authored teacher support material, which exemplified the expected standards for internal assessment marking and provided detailed notes on approaches to teaching and learning the syllabus. As part of the this process, I managed teams of experienced individuals to develop a concept-based approach to teaching and learning Diploma DT.This guide addressed many issues with a previously science heavy syllabus, and through the application of design thinking methodology, I co-designed curriculum and assessment models that ensure students gain genuine DT experience in preparation for further study, and improve reliability and validity in assessment.Following the publication of the guide, I designed and supported teaching and learning workshops for the new guide. Due to last minute withdrawal of the workshop leader, I successfully led the workshop in Dubai with 3 days of notification.A leading thinker in international design education, in May 2014, I was honoured to be invited to present at the International Design and Technology conference held at the UWCSEA, Singapore. It was a delight to meet many IB DT teachers and to engage with them over the four days.I have led Design thinking workshops to a groups ranging from 25 to 117 members including at the International School of The Hague’s TEDxYouth@ISH event and Challenger programme, 117 teachers and coordinators at the IBAEM conference 2015, and the Women's Business Initiative International group. I am available to present at conferences.My current focus in on developing Computer science and Information technology in a Global society courses, while supporting schools and colleagues through the first year of examinations for Design technology.I manage a curriculum development budget of $110k+ per annum. Show less

• MYP Curriculum and Assessment Manager: Technology/design, Mathematics and Physical Education (PHE)

  • Apr 2009 - Jun 2014

  I played an instrumental part in the redesign of the MYP, co-authoring MYP: Next chapter including MYP from principles into practice, concept-based learning, MYP course and unit planning, global contexts, and AtL. AS part of this, I authored new guides for Design, Mathematics, and finalised the Physical and Health education guide. I was also a co-author of Mathematics: The MYP–DP continuum. In addition to these publications, I authored Teacher Support Materials for these subjects.I planned, organised and led in-school workshops to train teachers for to pilot the new MYP, delivering training to teachers in 66 schools worldwide to stringent logistical and budgetary requirements. Through this planning I was able to effectively deliver the training while maximising the efficiency of the budget, reaching more schools and teachers at a lower cost.I developed an expert level understanding of concept-based learning, training colleagues across the IB divisions on approaches to concept-based teaching and learning. This was extended to IB workshops, where I led key facilitator and Field Rep trainings, and co-designed the global session guidelines for all IB MYP workshops to be delivered globally. I gained line management experience, responsible for two direct reports, one contractor and large teams of curriculum developers (up to 155).I was given responsibility for developing detail project management tools for guide and resource development. This resulted in a revised curriculum review handbook for the MYP and a detailed step-by-step process that all curriculum managers have followed since.I was honoured to be invited to present at the ECIS PE conference, Switzerland (2014), leading sessions on implementing the new Physical and Health education course. I have also been a regular session presenter and leader at IB regional conferences. My contribution to the development of MYP: Next chapter was recognised through annual bonuses in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Show less

• DP Assessment Subject Area Manager: Design technology

  • Oct 2009 - Dec 2011

  ResponsibilitiesLeadership of examining teams at Grade award meetings to ensure reliable, valid and appropriate results are achieved for all candidatesManagement of exam paper authoring teams to author, edit and publish examination papers for Design technologyQuality assurance of examination paper and mark scheme contentProvision of detailed feedback for schools based on examination resultsRecruitment and training of examiners, paper authors and examination team leaders Show less



Sandfields Comprehensive School

• Port Talbot, Wales

• Design and Technology teacher

  • Apr 2008 - Mar 2009

  Teaching design technology to Key Stage 3 and 4 students, preparing them for GCSE examinations. Initially this was a 3 month fixed-term cover position that led to an extension to a full year. My teaching time was allocated to a newly created Head of department role. During my brief time at the school, I evaluated all of the teacher's schemes of work, developing a number of them further to enhance the students' experience of DT and to bring the design practice up to date. In order to ensure that the new schemes of work were implemented to teh appropriate standard, I also provided training, focussing on skill development for colleagues within and across other departments. While at the school, I integrated well into the school culture, leading the Year 8 rugby team, getting myself involved in the schools sports day as the house leader, and as a key member of the staff choir. Show less



Jack Hunt School

• Peterborough, United Kingdom

• Design and Technology teacher

  • Sep 2003 - Aug 2007

  I joined the school as an NQT, as a Design and Technology teacher, specialising in Resistant materials, graphics and CAD. I set up new CADCAM units, training the remainder of the department to use the CAD software to design, build and create a range of prototypes. I also took on responsibility for the Engineering Education programme, facilitating groups of 6th form students to work with an engineering company to solve some of their real engineering problems. Each project that the students completed gained a commendation at the assessment day. During my second year of teaching, I was invited to train Cambridge University ITT students focussing on the assessment of project work. The first cohort of students going through their GCSEs under my guidance achieved a significant shift from a 28% pass rate the previous year, to a 72% pass rate. My teaching methods and support resulted in similar achievement for the DT A-level group. This was maintained over the four years that I taught at the school. Show less