• BEd (Hons) Physical Education (Jordanhill College; Scottish School of Physical Education)
• MEd Education (Aberdeen University)
• PhD Physical Education (University of Edinburgh)

After teaching extensively in secondary schools and occupying a number of curriculum development roles at local authority and national level, my initial Ph.D research focus was on the conceptual issues associated with examination awards in physical education, where there is an intention to merge experiential learning approaches with the acquisition of knowledge. Part of the research involved analysing the coherence of the rationales advanced for examination awards, as these were often based on a rather untested series of assumptions. This research triggered a wider interest in philosophical ideas in education and the extent to coherent ideas underpinned policy aspirations and pedagogical advice. My recent focus now is mostly on reviewing experiential learning challenges in outdoor learning as well as the integration planned between physical and mental, social and emotional wellbeing when physical education is considered as a key component of school health and wellbeing agendas. Additionally, I have also developed a research focus on the lives and careers of veteran teachers and of understanding more factors influencing their resilience, commitment, work-life balance and views on professional development.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss associated research ideas with students considering Ph.D awards and with colleagues interested in shared writing projects.

• knowledge representation in practical learning environments
• the aims and intentions of physical education in schools
• outdoor learning in schools
• the careers of veteran teachers
• curriculum change in physical education and health and wellbeing

Consultancy activities