ABOUTFAQ list
HOW IT WORKS
TIMETABLE
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FEES
SOFTWARE
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How to assess an online school
What you say about us
Social Skills and discipline
ABOUT OUR STUDENTS
Who uses an online school?
PARENTS as Education Partners
ABOUT OUR TEACHERS
Our Education Philosophy
HOW TO BOOKCONTACT US
HOW TO BOOKCONTACT US
Either browse down to read, or click the name of a selected teacher.
 | J. Davies Head of School. (Finance and Legal Administrator.) TEACHER: IGCSE History. Intermediate History. Intermediate Geography. Junior Geography. |
| S. Morgan Head of School. (Induction: New Families, Online Teacher Training. Families' Adviser. Software Administrator. ) TEACHER: IGCSE English. Intermediate English. Junior English. |
| Jen Senior Teacher. Exams Supervisor. TEACHER: IGCSE Maths. IGCSE Geography. IGCSE Spanish. Advanced Spanish. Intro. Spanish. |
| Tal Homework Supervisor. Asst. Administrator. (Software Support. New student introductions.) TEACHER: Junior History. Junior English. |
| Alison Key Cover Teacher. TEACHER: IGCSE French. Advanced French. Intro. French. Intermediate English. Intermediate Sciences. |
| Clair TEACHER: IGCSE Biology, Chemistry, Physics. |
| Jenny Assessment Supervisor. TEACHER: Junior Maths. Junior Science. |
| Our team has an amazing breadth and depth of education, training, professional and personal experiences. We range in age from mature teaching veterans in our 60s through to our youngest but still very experienced teacher of 20. ~ Perhaps the most consistent pattern in our extraordinary variety is that although we have the kind of mainstream education and employment you'd expect, we are also all of us people who simply GO FURTHER. ~ There's the university lecturer who first discovered he loved teaching by training totally inexperienced crew on a very leaky boat in mid-Atlantic. ~ Another teacher once faced her most challenging teaching task presenting high level academic philosophy to Buddhist monks, who were forbidden to touch her even to let her hand them a paper or book!. ~ Another started out as a passionately committed teacher of languages, suitably PGCE certificated. In a radical but successful decision we asked her to tackle Maths teaching because standard Maths teachers we tried just didn't get why young people couldn't understand what they found so easy. Jen's patience with young people's struggles in Maths is now a legend in the school. ~ Then there's Jenny who found that years of customer support in DIY stores means that practical daily Maths and Science for juniors is really not so hard to explain. ~ Clair our newest team member is a real high flyer, not only with a PhD but an impressive career in industry as well as IT. She's cutting a fast track into online teaching. ~ Not to forget that our youngest teacher Tal, is himself a graduate of the school so he knows it from both sides. Of course we're dedicated. All good teachers are so that is taken for granted. Of course we have piled up the qualifications. But we are all persons who have learned a great deal in the university of real life. That is what young people respect and respond to, most of all. |
S. Morgan, Head of School.(Induction: New Families, Families' Adviser. Online Teacher Training. Software Administrator. )
TEACHER: IGCSE English. Intermediate English. Junior English.
B. 1949 London. Now resident SE Wales. EDUCATION: 1976 BA Hons Philosophy UCL (University College, University of London);
1977 Cert TEFL International House, London; 1979-80 Assertiveness Training Facilitator (Anne Dickson); 1999- 2000 Cert OET (Online Education and Training) Institute of Education, University of London 2000; 1998 -2002 Four years postgraduate research, University of London, Sociology of Religions.
EMPLOYMENT: 1977 - 1981 TEFL teaching, and admin. Pitman School of English, London. Consultant and Trainer, KBS Computer Training, London. Teacher, Course Designer. Martin Luther King Memorial Trust, London. Literacy, Life Skills course design and teaching.
SELF EMPLOYMENT: 1981 -1985 Proprietor of 'Tabbies' London. Women's health retreat centre. 1985 -2001 Proprietor of HoG. Personal development centre, health, therapy, spirituality. Overall manager, training of volunteers, and a working therapist in Humanistic Counselling. 2001 -2005 Online academic seminars, personal counselling and private tutoring. 2006 First College UK.
PERSONAL STATEMENT Although I much enjoy teaching English, my core expertise across the school is in the development of a student as a person, in terms of confidence and personal best. My greatest delight is seeing how our students transform very fast once we work with them, into much higher achievers. Whether I'm working with a high flyer with their perfectionism and anxiety, or a young person struggling to overcome difficult barriers, or just providing respect for the independent minded, it's simply what I want to do. My long previous career as a therapist, and being a mother, helps in rapidly understanding young people's personal world.
A key part of ensuring our students are happy is about cherishing our hardworking teachers, which I also greatly enjoy.
My own English teaching program is a no-nonsense system in classic literacy skills from punctuation right up to college level research and referencing. Given confidence support I find creativity skills develop almost unaided. My exam students typically gain A* A B or C.
Then there's the fun of software design, but making sure it's the humans that come first. I have worked with computers since 1979, first seeing the potential in online learning in 1997 which led to my professional certification in OET in 2000. (I am kind of the grandma of all three leading UK online schools see Assessing an Online School page.)
In my personal life I cope with moderate disability (ME). My favourite pleasures are renovating our old house, reading endlessly, and learning wisdom from our seven cats.
J. Davies, Head of School.(Finance and Legal Administrator.)
TEACHER: IGCSE History. Intermediate History. Intermediate Geography. Junior Geography.
B. 1950 Pembrokeshire. Now resident SE Wales. EDUCATION: 1972 BA Hons PPE Oxford; 1974 MA. Econ. Manchester; 1977 MA Civic Design, Liverpool.
EMPLOYMENT: 1974 - 1987 Planning Officer 1) Dyfed County Council. 2) Leeds City Council. 3) London Borough of Lambeth. Budget responsibility £250,000.
SELF EMPLOYMENT: 1987 - 2011 Proprietor of 'Model Boat Builder.' National UK craftsman and supplier coordinator. VOLUNTARY: Chairman of the Liverpool Arts Association employing seven staff.
EMPLOYMENT: 1984-86 International Yacht Deliveries, and Crew Training. VOLUNTARY: 1986 -2001 Committte member of HoG, assisting with national and local fesivals and events organisation.
1986 -2011 Open University Lecturer. Distance learning and Online learning courses in Government, and student counselling support. 2006 First College UK.
PERSONAL STATEMENT I give the highest priority to student confidence building. My teaching approach is extremely student centred, and so effective that my students throughout my career consistently reach top grades.
My mode of teaching is extremely intuitive, navigating by 'feel' for how a student is progressing, where it is safe to push them to achieve, or conversely give extra support. My wide and varied experiences feed into my understanding of my students, also stimulating them with real life resource material.
Known as 'the tough teacher of First College' I get high performance from my students but without over stressing them. My IGCSE students gain A* A or B grades, and I steadily prepare my other levels of students to move into this kind of genuine competence. Although a demanding teacher, in our 2010 school survey I was tickled pink to be voted in as the most popular member of staff.
As the co-Head of First College I provide the vital backroom support with research, systems analysis, troubleshooting, longer term planning and conservation of our financial stability.
I still build model ships and as the family craftsman I'm often fixing a car, gadget or widget, or house system. I'm known for my love of weird words, my Welsh pride, and a certain skill in cat politics.
Jen, Senior Teacher. Exams Supervisor.(Founding member of the school. Students and teachers cross -subject exam support.)
TEACHER: IGCSE Maths. IGCSE Geography. IGCSE Spanish. Advanced Spanish. Intro. Spanish.
B. 1980. Resident Wirral, England. EDUCATION: 2003 BA Hons. Hispanic Studies. University of Liverpool. 2005 PGCE, Secondary, MFL; Spanish with French, and award of QTS, University of Lancaster. 2007 ECDL (1 & 2 Advanced). 2006 –2010 Adult learning certification in Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities, Assisting people with Language Difficulties, Assisting people with Learning Difficulties, Quality & Continuous Improvement in The Workplace. Nord Anglia Training, Liverpool. 2009 Wirral Paramedic Services Certificate in Emergency First Aid and Crisis Control. 2010 Safeguarding Young People DFSF. Ongoing professional development currently studying “Embedding e-safety in the curriculum.” Fully registered with the General Teaching Council For England.
EMPLOYMENT: 1999 -2005 Personal Tutor; Spanish, French and Portuguese. Translator and Administrative positions for Spanish, French and Portuguese. 2004 - 2006 DfES Teacher; Auckland College, Independent School; Childwall Comprehensive School; St John Bosco Catholic High School. Liverpool LEA. 2006 First College UK founding member, initially as French Teacher. Then IGCSE Geography. Intermediate / IGCSE Maths and Spanish basic, advanced and IGCSE.
PERSONAL STATEMENT Coming from a wide experience with a cross section of pupils including gifted and talented, special educational needs and pupils with English as an additional language I really enjoy the breadth and variety of First College students. I already understood the potential of ICT in teaching when I helped set up First College, as I had worked with ICT whenever possible in the classroom. Building an entire learning and teaching experience around ICT has been very rewarding and satisfying.
I flourish when given responsibility and enjoy the challenges First College has offered me. As a languages specialist I could not have ever imagined developing as an exam oriented Maths teacher but the FC proposal to support me into Maths teaching has completely changed my way of thinking. From my A Level Maths and every bit of other teaching experience I ever had, I devised a steady, patient, cumulative programme for our Maths students. Their response has been greatly rewarding as it is not only the natural maths talents who do well and enjoy the work, but every student, reflected in my solid results at IGCSE.
In my personal life I am very family oriented, and have been a Scout leader since 2002. This is a challenging volunteer role, the highlights of which were arranging and leading a trip for 20 Scouts to Canada in 2008 and receiving a Chief Scouts Commendation for good service in 2009.
Tal, Homework Supervisor. Asst. Administrator.(Homework discipline and support. Software Support. New student introductions.)
TEACHER: Junior History. Junior English.
B. 1991 London. EDUCATION: Fully Home Educated until 2005. From 2006, First College UK founding student. 2009 IGCSE English, History, Literature, Double Sciences with A* grades, and one C. 2009 -2010 AS Level History C, and GCSE Maths C, Coleg Gwent. 2010 -2011. Currently studying Open University BA Philosophy and Psychology, starting second year studies.
EMPLOYMENT 2008 -2009 Junior Trainee Teacher (under supervision) designing and teaching my own course in English 'Storytelling.' 2010 Junior Teacher 'Storytelling' cont.; Assistant Software Administrator. 2011 Junior History, and Homework Supervisor duties.
PERSONAL STATEMENT Well I'm the lucky one who had a whole school created just for me! I was exclusively home educated until I was 13, then I was a student in First College from 2006 - 2009 gaining my IGCSEs. The next year at local A Level college was not a success as their standards were so much lower that First College. Instead in 2010 I began my Open University degree studies. I'm finding First College training has given me a very strong basis as a college student..
I always said I was popular as an FC online teacher because I didn't have to give homework but this year I have to do it in my History course. In some ways I think I succeed because I'm the youngest teacher. Not long ago I was learning at the same level as my students. But that also means I know all the excuses so I can be quite strict in my Homework Supervisor duties.
I have really grown up within and alongside First College, working very closely beside my parents as the two Heads. I am extensively familiar with the organisation from its different perspectives of student, teacher and administrator. I have had access to many areas of management decision making so my ambition is to one day take over First College when my parents are ready to retire. We are carefully building my skills towards that aim. One day.
In my personal life I'm a gamer, mostly real-time or turn based strategy. I enjoy reading History and hard driving debate on social issues. My great love is Cats, and their politics, and I'm becoming a fairly skilled cook.
Clair TEACHER: IGCSE Biology, Chemistry, Physics.B. Resident Shropshire, England.EDUCATION: Ph.D Molecular Thin Films, U. of Sheffield, 1998. .BSc Physics. Class 2:1, U. of Sheffield 1995. PGCE i-teach online teacher training , Canterbury Christ Church University 2010.
EMPLOYMENT: 1998 -2000 Logistics Analyst, Leoni Wiring Systems (UK Ltd), Newcastle Under Lyme. 2000 -2004 Principle Process Engineer & Yield Engineering Group Leader, Philips Semiconductors, Stockport. 2004 -8 Project Manager / Change Agent, Tarmac Ltd Lead Change Agent. Coaching & mentoring management. 2009 - 2010 Canterbury Christ Church University – i-teach online ITT program. 2011 First College UK.
PERSONAL STATEMENT:
During my time in the commercial sector I had a variety of roles, the most enjoyable of which was coaching & training. I loved helping people to further their knowledge, acquire new skills, enabling them to move forward in their careers. The big thing that was lacking for me was the science I had so enjoyed academically. It was also, although exciting, an acutely high pressure lifestyle.
In 2008 we had a son. I decided to give up the rat race, take a year out and complete my PGCE then move into science teaching. The PGCE was an online course so I had first hand experience of what it’s like to be a student in this new virtual world of education. After a period of private tutoring GCSE science subjects, I was delighted to win through some stiff competition for a position with First College.
I love science, I love to talk about it and I love to inspire my students to feel the same. I am already impressed with the ability level of my students in the First College exam classes. They are more advanced than students I have taught before. They are so bright and enthusiastic that teaching them is a real pleasure.
Alison Key Cover Teacher. TEACHER: IGCSE French. Advanced French. Intro. French. Intermediate English. Intermediate Sciences.
B. Resident Wirral, England.EDUCATION: BA (Hons) German and English Literature, University of Liverpool. 2007 -09 PGCE in Secondary MFL placements. 2009 Effective use of the voice in a classroom and Lesson Planning for HLTAs and TAs; 2010 Understanding ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder); Behaviour for Learning; Professional Excellence Centre, Wirral.
EMPLOYMENT: 2005 -07 Multi-lingual Customer Service Representative. 2008 -09 Teaching Assistant and Unqualified Teacher Hays Education. e.g. Pensby High School for Boys, SEN supervision of small groups and one-to-one support. 2009 -10 Curriculum Cover SupervisorPark High School, Birkenhead. Included SEN support, Technology and ICT faculty support, designed and implemented a variety of innovative after school clubs. 2011 First College UK.
PERSONAL STATEMENT:
Jenny, Assessment Supervisor.TEACHER: Junior Maths. Junior Science.
B. 1969 London. Now resident SW Wales. EDUCATION: 1986 -89 GCSEs X 11 including the usual staples, plus Child Psychology. 1987 BTEC National pre-diploma in General Art & Design. 1993 Open University T102 Technology Foundation Course; T223 Microprocessor Based Computers; T264 Design-Principals and Practice; U206 Environment. 2003 BA (Hons) Nursing (intellectual Disability) 1st yr. Dublin City University, Ireland.
EMPLOYMENT: 1988 -2001, and again 2006. Retail Management including key responsibilties for cash security, banking and supervision of staff teams. VOLUNTARY: Committee member HoG, London 1991 -96.
2001-02 Oxfordshire Learning Disabilities NHS Trust. 2002-03 Care Manager, Barret Cheshire House. 2003 -05 Elder care support, Rehab Care, Dublin. 2005-06 Retail Manager. 2011 First College UK.
PERSONAL STATEMENT I had worked with Shan and John many years ago on a community project and we remained friends. It was a complete bolt from the blue to be offered a post to teach the Assessment and Juniors level. But it was explained that my practical and technology expertise from years in the commercial DIY sector, was ideal for Maths and Science at this level. Even more importantly certain character aptitudes are crucially needed to manage the varied and volatile Assessment teaching group. It's true I do have these aptitudes of balancing kindness and firmness with young people, so I said yes.
It's been a steep learning curve working with structured teaching in lessons, rather than providing workday training in a commercial company context. At first I put in many hours preparation for every single lesson but it's paid off so I'm now settling in to normal work hours!
Assessment is a challenging type of teaching but just as predicted for me, it suits me very well.
In my personal life I am mother to an adult son, and two small ones. I'm currently renovating a large house in West Wales, and at last have the large organic garden of my dreams. I'm a keen amateur photographer, and about to tackle woodworking starting with an ash tree that we have to cut down.
The site is being newly designed (May 2011).
This side menu will soon have links to lots of updated pages with details on each subject we teach.
LIST OF SUBJECTS
* IGCSE subjects
* ENGLISH
* MATHS
* Geography
* History
* Literature
Storytelling
Philosophy
Sciences
* Biology
* Physics
* Chemistry
* French
* Spanish
EXTRAS
About Religion
Private Tutorials
This side menu will soon have links to lots of updated pages with details on each subject we teach.
LIST OF SUBJECTS* IGCSE subjects
* ENGLISH
* MATHS
* Geography
* History
* Literature
Storytelling
Philosophy
Sciences
* Biology
* Physics
* Chemistry
* French
* Spanish
EXTRAS
About Religion
Private Tutorials
HOW TO BOOK
CONTACT US