Biography
Gareth is a Senior Lecturer in Computing at Birmingham Newman University.
He teaches computing across both undergraduate and PGCE programmes and also contributes to the Contemporary Issues module for third-year undergraduate students. In addition, Gareth is the Year Lead for the first year undergraduate cohort and teaches a core module designed to prepare students for their first school placement.
Gareth began his career as a primary school teacher, working in the profession for over ten years. He taught across Key Stage 2 and held a range of subject leadership and middle leadership responsibilities. His teaching experience spans a variety of educational contexts, having worked in schools in Surrey, South Birmingham, Dubai, and Canada. During this time, Gareth taught several curricula, including the English National Curriculum, the International Baccalaureate, and the Ontario Curriculum.
Gareth holds an undergraduate degree in Sport Management and Leadership from the University of Southampton and a PGCE in Primary Education from the University of Worcester. He completed a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Management at the University of Portsmouth. He is currently undertaking a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice at Birmingham Newman University.
His academic interests include formative assessment in Higher Education, which is the focus of his current PGCert research, and professional collaboration within schools, which formed the basis of his Master’s dissertation.
Profile
Teaching
Gareth teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate primary initial teacher education programmes, with a particular focus on computing. His teaching centres on developing trainees’ confidence and competence in teaching computing, supporting them to translate subject knowledge into effective classroom practice.
He also teaches on a module which explores contemporary issues in education and supports trainees to critically engage with current policy, research, and practice. A key area of Gareth’s teaching interest is preparing students for school placement, with an emphasis on professional conduct, reflective practice and readiness for the classroom.
Administrative Responsibilities
Gareth holds the role of Year Lead for the first year undergraduate cohort, providing academic oversight and pastoral support for students as they transition into university study and initial teacher education. His responsibilities include supporting student progress, liaising with colleagues across the programme, and contributing to the organisation and delivery of placement preparation.