Vincent O'Brien
Senior Lecturer
Biography
I have been teaching in schools for over 40 years and that practice is a key element of my teaching, relating theory to real children and experience. This is true of the primary programme and my subject teaching in RE. I place a high value on my work with individual students as a PAT and supporting students on placement. As an ex Free Schools meal child from an immigrant family I am committed to both inclusion and ensuring the best provision and life opportunities for the most vulnerable children in our society. I have been blessed to teach many children from 3-18 and now beyond that age, as well as working with colleagues in schools to ensure we put the needs of our children first.
Teaching and Supervision
I began teaching in 1984 and my experiences have included primary, middle and secondary schools. The vast majority of my teaching experience in the classroom has been in KS2. I have taken on a wide variety of leadership roles including SENDCO, Head of Maths, English and RE, then three Headships in Shropshire and Cheshire. These roles have included training and developing Middle leaders and supporting leaders in other schools, which I continue to do with Chester Diocese. My teaching now is focussed on the core Primary programmes in Chester and Shrewsbury, including work on the PGCE programme. I lead the Primary RE programme and work with school partners in this role. I have also worked as the lead for the School Direct programme and taught on the Masters programme for Leadership in Education.
Research and Knowledge Exchange
My interests lie primarily in the areas of inclusion, social mobility and closing the gap for our vulnerable children. I am also interested in behaviour strategies in primary schools, and the developing use of AI for both pupils and teachers.