…BMet’s valued teaching and learning coach with various responsibilities!

 

David is well known to both students and staff at the college and plays a key role in helping people develop to reach their full potential.

Being with the college for 13 years, David has certainly established himself in his role and continues to find opportunities presented to him, very rewarding.

 

Let’s find out more about his experiences before and during his time at the college…

1. Hello Dave, could you start by telling us a bit about you, your background and “your journey” prior to coming here?

“Well, I’ve been in FE for 30 years now. Born and raised in Birmingham, although my family are from the beautiful Caribbean island of Antigua. I attended school and 6^th Form College locally, before leaving to go to university in Nottingham. On completing my degree in Music, I worked in TV sound production before returning to the West Midlands to undertake post graduate studies and obtain my teaching qualifications. Since then, I have worked at several FE colleges in the region.

“I’m the youngest of 6 children in a very musical family and grew up making music with my siblings and playing piano and organ in church from an early age. My hobbies have always involved music, whether recording or performing and I enjoy leading community and professional gospel choirs.”

2. Why did you choose to work at BMet?

“Not sure about this question. Can’t really say it was by design…but I do know I had several opportunities to convert my hobbies into a full-time career, but realised very early on that I really enjoyed working with young people and was fascinated by the FE sector in particular.”

3. Have you always had the same job role at BMet?

“I currently work across college campuses, as a Teaching and Learning Coach with responsibility for supporting our Higher Education provision. I also Course Lead our PGCE and Cert Ed teacher training programmes.

“However, previously I have had different roles during my time at the college. The most significant difference was my move from full time teaching (with its various responsibilities) to support management within Quality.”

4. Tell me a bit about your day-to-day role – including what you are responsible for/what your duties are….

“Most staff will come into contact with me delivering induction training – either cross-college or bespoke departmental CPD and of course, individual coaching. I do a lot of lesson observation through learning walks and walkthroughs and support probationary staff to meet their targets. I have responsibility for supporting our HE provision in particular, and also lead our level 5 and 6 teacher training programmes in partnership with Wolverhampton University.” 

5. How have you found your time at BMet and do you feel it caters to your needs?

“BMet has changed a lot since I joined it. I’ve seen several changes of leadership and structure, and even changes to the Further Education ETF standards. From my point of view, there have been huge changes in our observation practice and our approach toward teaching and learning in general in the last 10 years or so.

“From a cultural perspective, BMet has definitely changed for the better. The introduction of Ready, Respectful and Safe, the work of our BAME network and people championing the cause of EDI has made BMet much more inclusive and sensitive to our staff and student demographic.”

6. Do you have a particular style of working?

“Well, I am a teaching and learning coach, so it goes without saying I would advocate coaching as a strategy. I also believe that in a changing FE landscape we should be adaptable, reflective and open to new ideas.”

7. What does working with students mean to you?

“This is what it’s all about for me. I really enjoy working with the diverse body of students found in FE. Having a part in supporting people to realise their aspirations and helping them to unlock the potential some do not even realise they have, is hugely rewarding.”

8. What advice would you give to other students wanting to attend BMet? Or that are currently here?

“Make the most of your opportunity to succeed. Enjoy college life and always remain focussed on what you are trying to achieve.”

9. What would you say have been your favourite achievements/memories to date?

“This is difficult because there have been so many! I have to say, I really do enjoy sharing in the success of learners and seeing what they go on to achieve makes me incredibly proud. I have particularly enjoyed the celebration of student achievement (an event I have hosted for the past few years) and also, attending my student teacher’s HE graduation ceremonies.”

10. What are your hopes for the future at BMet?

“I would love to see the work we have begun to address better representation of minorities in leadership taken forward, and for the college to finally have our hard work to improve standards recognised by Ofsted as Outstanding.”