Hi, I'm Andy Higham, a retired A Level Chemistry teacher and experienced school leader. I still teach in schools from time to time, but only if the right opportunity arises.
I have taught KS3 Science, KS4 Physics and KS4 and KS5 Chemistry for over 22 years in the Liverpool city region. I have been Head of Science in three secondary schools, and Head of Chemistry in
three sixth form and FE colleges.
After working in industry I re-trained and started teaching chemistry in 2004. I enjoyed teaching all the students in my classes, helping them to achieve outstanding success. Chemistry is a
subject that can develop the student in many more ways than simply subject knowledge and it is a pleasure to see all my students fulfil their undoubted potential during the course. I have enjoyed
success in many different roles in education, including pastoral leadership, head of department, head of faculty, as well as teaching and learning coaching. During this time, I have been lucky to
work with some fantastic educators and truly inspirational people. I aimed to use my years of experience in industry and education, in every chemistry lesson, to enthuse and motivate the students
I taught, and to help the next generation of educational experts fast track their understanding and skills into the classroom.
Industrial Experience
Director & Founder
Silicon Chimp T&T
2015 - Present
- Freelance Education, IT and Technical Consultant
- Expert level MS Office support
- Integrated IT solutions for small and medium business partners
- Bespoke MS Excel spreadsheet design and support
- Automated MS Excel functionality using VBA coding
- Science education consultation
- A Level Chemistry consultation
- Assessment and feedback consultation
Environment and Quality Coordinator
MTS Tank Cleaning, Liverpool
2000 - 2001
- Quality control of tank cleaning processes
- Development and operation of trade effluent plant
- Liaison with local and national government bodies to ensure compliance with effluent and air regulations
- COSHH and H&S of chemicals and processes
Independent Chemist Inspector
Intertek Caleb Brett, Ellesmere Port
1998 - 2000
- Inspection of marine, road and land tank
- Sampling and analysis of chemical cargos
- Liaison with all stake holders to agree the quantity and quality of products
- independent calculation and reporting of bill of lading
Effluent Plant Manager
Laboratory Manager
The Liverpool Tanning Company ltd, Liverpool
1996 - 1998
- Quality control of all aspects of leather production from rawhides to finished leather
- Development and operation of trade effluent plant and rendering plant
- Liaison with local and national government bodies to ensure compliance with effluent and air regulations
- Liaison with Meat and Livestock commission to ensure compliance with BSE Cull regulations
- COSHH and H&S of chemicals and processes
Information Assistant
North Mersey Community (NHS) Trust, Liverpool
1995 -1996
- Data collection and analysis
- Development and delivery of training for healthcare professionals and support staff
Skills
Problem Solving
Project Management
IT in Education Expertise
Innovation
Online Learning
Asynchronous Learning
Teaching Methodologies
Bespoke Assessment Development
Classroom Management Strategies
Curriculum Design
Academic Excellence
Mentoring
Coaching
Education
Archbishop Beck High School, Liverpool 1985 - 1992
A Level Chemistry, Biology and History*
The University of Essex 1992 - 1996
Environmental and Industrial Chemistry
Edge Hill University 2003 - 2004
PGCE Secondary Science (11 - 18)
Teaching Experience
Head of Science
Liverpool Life Sciences UTC
January 2024 - November 2024
Teacher of GCSE Chemistry, BTEC L3 Applied Science, and A Level Chemistry. Mixed (14-19) inner-city UTC.
- Design and delivery of a bespoke UCAT CAMP
- Design of an outstanding student tracking and reporting system
- Tailored ESOL resources
- Development of high impact resources for students with complex SEND requirements
Head of Science
The Studio School
January 2024 - November 2024
Teacher of GCSE Chemistry, BTEC L3 Applied Science, and A Level Chemistry. Mixed (14-19) inner-city UTC.
- Design and delivery of a bespoke UCAT CAMP
- Design of an outstanding student tracking and reporting system
- Tailored ESOL resources
- Development of high impact resources for students with complex SEND requirements
Head of Chemistry
West Lancashire College
2021 - 2024
A Level Chemistry lecturer at the unique 'School of Medicine'.
- Design and delivery of the hugely successful UCAT Camp
- Development of departmental reporting systems
- UCAS support
- Whole college teaching and learning support
- Adult learners, Access to Higher Education course
Chemistry Lecturer
Teaching and Learning Coach
The City of Liverpool College
2019 -2021
GCSE, A Level and BTEC L3 Applied Science Chemistry lecturer.
- Adult learners, GCSE Chemistry course
- 9 month GCSE resit course 16+
- A Level chemistry lecturer
- L3 BTEC Applied Science Chemistry lead
- Development of outstanding, inclusive, teaching strategies for ESOL learners
- Development and delivery of mentoring programme for high attaining students
- Whole college teaching and learning support
Director of Science
Head of Chemistry
St Francis Xavier's College, Liverpool
2006 - 2019
Teacher of Key Stage 3 Science, BTEC L2 Applied Science, GCSE Biology, GCSE and A Level Chemistry. All boys (11-16) mixed (16-18) inner-city catholic high school.
- Leadership and management of a faculty containing 15 members of staff
- National College for School Leadership - Leadership Pathways (12 months)
- National College for School Leadership - Leading from the Middle (12 months)
- Mentoring and coaching of ITT and NQTs
- Design and development of A level practical CPAC tracking software
- Collaboration with architects and engineers, including design and delivery, of a purpose built, fully serviced, 11 laboratory science building
- Curriculum development across all key stages
- Introduction of L2 BTEC applied science course
- VLE development
- Online and remote learning development
- Sixth form tutor
- UCAS support
- Whole school teaching and learning support
Science Teacher
Assistant Head of House
Glenburn Sports College, Skelmersdale
2004 - 2006
Teacher of Key Stage 3 Science, GCSE Biology, GCSE Physics. Mixed (11-16) secondary high school.
- Delivery of GCSE Physics to an accelerated group of G&T students.
- Mentoring and coaching boys through the national 'Raising Boys' Achievement' programme
- Pastoral support of staff and students as assistant head of house
- Design and development of electronic planner and mark book