Name: Katrina Hewgill, Director, Operations Manager and Head of English.
Subject(s): GCSE and A Level English language and literature.
Experience: I have taught English for over a decade both in classrooms and on a one-to-one basis. I am a SENCO teacher, and have experience working with students with a variety of educational needs and disabilities. I have a Masters’ Degree in English and I am currently studying for my PHD in Education. I am an AQA Exams Officer and an AQA Examiner.
About me: When I'm not working, I enjoy visiting historical cities and castles. I love to walk through history when I visit ancient places. I am a big fan of adult animations, The Big Bang Theory and animals - especially hedgehogs. I spend my free time with family and friends, and bake as often as I can.
Name: James Kuechel
Subject(s): GCSE and A Level Mathematics.
Experience: 10 Years teaching secondary and post-16 mathematics and HE Engineering. My undergraduate studies were in Engineering and my postgraduate studies are in educational research. As well as being a tutor for Eden Education I currently hold positions as; Lecturer of mathematics at UCLAN; Professional Development lead for NCETM. I am also an examiner for AQA and an author for OCR.
About me: As well as my teaching, I love the outdoors and music. I am often in the hills both hiking and running. When inside you’ll find me playing guitar or board games.
Name: Sandra Quinn
Subject(s): GCSE and A Level Psychology and Sociology teacher. GCSE Maths teacher.
Experience: I came into teaching through an interest in learning, health, and individual differences; this led me to pursue first a degree in Psychology, a second in Mathematics Education. I completed a master’s degree in educational research and leadership a few years ago, since then I have continued to explore different approaches to teaching and learning maths. I have also taught Psychology at GCSE and A level in the past three years and enjoy the connections between the two subjects.
About me: When not teaching, I can often be found in the company of my grandchildren who constantly amaze and delight. With my husband I enjoy local theatre, and when we can, brushing off the hiking boots and escaping to the fells in the lake district. I’m a complete Francophile, have been learning the language for a decade now, and am always looking forward to the next holiday.
Name: Paul Rivers, Director, Head of Centre.
Subject(s): GCSE and A Level English language and literature.
Experience: I have taught English for over 20 years, and I have worked in many schools in Cumbria from Austin Friars to Carlisle College. I have experience of working with a broad range of students with a wide range of abilities from special needs to adults. I love teaching and enjoy seeing the progress or the “aha I got it” moment from my students.
About me: I enjoy playing chess with the Carlisle Chess Club and working in my allotment growing an array of vegetables and fruits. I find joy in cooking and eating my own freshly harvested crops.
Name: John Kelly
Subject(s): GCSE Art and Computer Science
Experience: John has extensive experience teaching Art at various educational levels, from GCSE to leading various community-based projects. He has a deep understanding of Digital Communication, Installation, and Site-Specific art, and has worked as an Illustrator, Graphic Designer, and Web Developer. His interdisciplinary approach to teaching combines both Art and Communication, offering a unique perspective to his students.
About me: I am passionate about teaching Art, working closely with students to unlock their creative potential. I enjoy demonstrating new techniques and encouraging individual expression through various artistic mediums. Outside of teaching, I love playing chess and participating in quizzes. I hold a degree in Contemporary Art Practice and a Master's degree in Fine Art, and I strive to inspire the next generation of artists.
Name: Dr Esther Cruse
Subject(s): GCSE and A Level Science teacher. GCSE Geography teacher.
Experience: I have taught a range of subjects including Physical Geography and English (TESOL) since 2009 in classrooms and on a one-to-one basis. I have recently updated my qualifications to include science teaching.
About me: When I'm not teaching, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy relaxing on my boat in the Lake District and reading detective novels.
Name: Alex Jakob-Whitworth (she/her)
Subject(s): Art, Craft and Design
Experience: Alex has over 30 years experience teaching Art, Craft and Design; She has worked widely across the educational sector, from Nursery to Degree level, having run art departments and taught students through GCSE and A level.
About me: I enjoy working with the individual, demonstrating new skills and helping students to bring out their creative self. I work freelance with my teaching and tutoring, but also as both a community artist, delivering in health, community and adult education; in training and consultancy. In my own artistic practice I am an interdisciplinary artist - so I paint, make, do experiential art and am a print-maker and ecology artist. I am a keen musician, a lover of the outdoors and also work with horses.
