School Memories

How old were you when you became interested in science?
Around 13 years old.

Are there any particular people who got you interested in science?
Yes. I had an excellent maths teacher up to 16 years old. However my interest in geology came through my hobbies and interests (see below). I was influenced by Professor Pitcher of Liverpool University, who helped me choose Geology as a degree subject when I was in sixth form.

What are your memories of science at school?
I do not have any striking memories. I was reasonably good at science subjects, but I was also good at arts subjects too, and so I didn't really enjoy the sciences more than arts until specialising at A-Level. I did Geology and Physics O-Level on my own.

How do you think children learn science best?
I am not experienced at teaching children, and so my remarks are more from teaching undergraduates. Students learn best if they enjoy the subject and are enthusiastic. So the first job of a teacher is to enthuse them in science. Science of course also requires rigour and systematic learning - sometimes of skills and methods that are not always seen immediately by students as interesting. So, a teacher needs also to persuade students that the more systematic aspects of science are essential to become a good scientist. Practical work is of course very important, so that students see how science works and can get involved themselves. Experiments are a particularly good way of learning science.

What were your interests and hobbies as a teenager?
Mountaineering, caving, minerals, all sorts of sport - football, cricket, cross-country races in particular - both watching and taking part. Since I lived in Chester my father was able to take me to see Everton, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool regularly. I was also able to go with friends to climb in Snowdonia. We also used to go down old Roman lead mines in North Wales on caving trips.

What made you decide to study science post-16 and what subjects did you study?
I'm not sure I really remember so well. My performance in academic subjects was fairly even (except for French!). As a teenager I particularly enjoyed geography -because of its links to the outdoors, maps etc - and maths. I enjoyed the satisfaction of solving maths problems. I ended up studying Geography, Maths and Chemistry at A-Level. I only evolved the idea of doing a science degree, and more specifically Geology, in sixth form.

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