Current Role
I have recently been appointed Head of Philosophy and Ethics at Oxley College in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. My responsibilities include ‘Cornerstone’, Oxley’s bespoke Critical Thinking program for Years 7-10. I am also developing elective courses in Philosophy and heading up the new Oxley College Centre for Ethics.
Curriculum Development
During my years of postgraduate study, I developed a broad range of interests in Philosophy, Theology and Literary Theory. I have a particular interest in curriculum development (Philosophy, Religious Studies and critical thinking) and substantial experience as a head of department in the UK and Australia. For fifteen years, I was Head of Philosophy and Religious Studies (PRS) at Newington College, where I led a large and successful department, overseeing the core PRS curriculum, as well as IB Theory of Knowledge and Philosophy. I was also Co-Director of Newington College Centre for Critical Thinking & Ethics, leading staff PD, developing classroom resources and organising the public lecture program.
Before moving to Australia in 2008, I was Head of Philosophy at Hutchesons’ Grammar School, one of Scotland’s leading independent schools, and was particularly involved in the development of Philosophy as a subject in Scottish schools. I was an examiner for the Scottish Qualifications Authority and a member of the advisory group which produced the first Scottish Higher in Philosophy.
Staff Development
I am an experienced public speaker and have regularly led professional development courses for teachers, both in the UK and Australia. I played a leading role in Dialogue Australasia (DAN), the professional organisation for PRS teachers in Australia and New Zealand, and was its Director for three years. In that role, I organised PD for teachers, including the biennial DAN Conference, and edited the Dialogue Australasia Journal. I have also been a Sessional Lecturer at Charles Sturt University and a member of the development panel for the CSU Masters in Religious and Values Education.
Dialogue
With my colleague John Waters, I founded Dialogue in 1993 to support the teaching of A-level Religious Studies in British schools. I have been its editor for thirty years, responsible for commissioning articles, copy editing and overall management. Dialogue reaches most A-level centres in the UK, as well as college and university departments world-wide.
Academic interests:
Moral Philosophy
Philosophy of Religion
Critical Thinking
Religion and the Arts
Philosophy and Religious Studies in Schools