Your Colleagues

Brenda Rowan - Teacher - Biology

“I started my career in Science after graduating from Sheffield University with a BSc Special Honours in Biochemistry and Physiology, first working as a research biologist at Manchester Royal Infirmary specialising in Liver Disease. I decided to enter teaching after a 10 year career in research science and was appointed as a lecturer at Nelson and Colne College in 2000.

Nelson and Colne College staff share a common interest in encouraging high aspirations and I enjoy being part of a team who work together to do their best for students, sharing the desire that everyone should reach their full potential.

The laboratory facilities at Nelson and Colne College are also excellent and we are brilliantly supported by an excellent team of science technicians.

One of my roles is to support science students who wish to become doctors, dentists and vets in our ‘Pre-Med’ group. It is most rewarding to be involved with opening up opportunities to these young people and seeing them successfully enter their chosen career paths.

I have had lots of opportunities to undertake career development at the College, including a number of science related courses as part of my continuous professional development. I have also undergone internal training related to teaching including reference writing for UCAS, sharing of good practice and challenging behaviour training, to name but a few.”

Abdul Shahar - Teacher - Law

“I have been a teacher at Nelson and Colne College for over five years teaching predominantly A Level Law but also Business and Financial Studies. Before qualifying as a teacher I worked in a fast paced, consumer focused and sales driven financial services sector organisation.

From my first day at College I received excellent support and guidance from my mentor and I always felt reassured that I could seek advice from my colleagues. I came into teaching to inspire students to achieve beyond their expectations.

It is refreshing to see a college managed in a way that allows teaching staff the professional autonomy to be creative and innovative in developing learning activities that enhance the student experience and ensure outstanding results. An example of this would be the Aspirant Leadership programme that I have just completed. This programme was designed to give an introduction to leadership at our College and it gave me the opportunity to be mentored by a senior manager to focus on my career aspirations.”

Debra Pilkington - Tutor - Engineering

“I teach Engineering at the College and have worked here for six years. Prior to becoming a teacher I ran my own business.

I really enjoy teaching. There are many different aspects that I love, but one thing stands out for me and that’s the difference I can make to each student’s confidence, aspirations and achievements.

The College has a full and varied professional development programme which I have benefited from. I have taken part in a wide range of short programmes held here at the College and externally to support my development as a teacher. In addition I took part in the College’s innovative Aspirant Leadership programme. Some of the most valuable professional development I have received however has been the informal sharing of best practice within the Engineering team and the coaching provided by my manager.

I am really proud to champion the role of women in Engineering through my teaching and I am involved with the national ‘Women in Engineering Initiative” which is aimed at attracting females into Engineering as a career.”

Ryan Cook - Section Leader - Business Studies

“In my role as Head of Division for Business, Public Services, Sport and Teacher Education I am responsible for a diverse and varied curriculum and lead a highly capable team of professionals who are genuinely committed to our students’ success.

I have worked for the College for almost four years and prior to working at Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form I taught at another North West Further Education College. The most rewarding part of my job is helping students achieve their goals and progress in life.

At the College there are numerous opportunities for professional development. We have regular ‘Learning Circles’ where teaching staff are given the opportunity to share best practice and lead colleagues in the development of their teaching skills and professional practice.

Nelson and Colne College has many positive features which make it a great place to work and develop. The best of these, in my opinion is the supportive and professional nature of the staffing team”