Regional winner Most creative use of ICT, Wales

Citation

“His pupils’ work in computer-aided design and graphics is exemplaryI he has been instrumental in setting up workshops for staff and pupils in the school’s 24 feeder primaries and has forged strong links with local manufacturing companies.”

Background Originally a maintenance engineer. Left industry after seeing a television programme on what, in those days, was craft and design technology, and wanted to “make a difference”. Trained at Middlesex Poly (now University), then joined the design technology department at his present school.

Turning points?

“Becoming a teacher. Coming to Dinas Bran seven years ago and having a vision of what the department could do. Seeing my dream come true.”

Most proud of?

“What we’re doing in this community with ICT, all the way from primary school. Thanks to technology grants and industry links we’re at the cutting edge with school-based computer-aided design and manufacturing (Cadcam) projects. Last year, for example, a student designed and made an acrylic magazine stand for airports and hotels. It’s now in production.”

Greatest regrets?

“What’s happening to teaching. I’d find it hard to recommend it to my children. We’re not using ICT as we should. Every teacher should have a laptop.”

And if you win a national title?

“That would be fantastic - not just for me, but for the whole department. It would be wonderful for design technology, too. It’s fundamental to our future: everybody should understand it, contribute to it, develop it - we have to work hard to sell it as a subject. It would be a nice step towards running my own department.”

The national finals of the Teaching Awards will be held in London on October 28