Dr Dearman takes every opportunity to support students beyond the classroom. From running Maths Drop-Ins and helping with the Duke of Edinburgh Award to capturing school moments through his photography, he plays a big part in creating positive and memorable experiences for students.

Q: Tell us about your role, Dr Dearman.
A: I am a Teacher of Mathematics and Physics (and more recently a little bit of Design and Technology). I enjoy helping out in Photography and Art, discussing and learning new things from the students and teachers. After school I am usually found in one activity or another — running the after-school Mathematics Drop-Ins, helping with the Duke of Edinburgh programmes, driving the minibus for fixtures and trips, and as a veteran Ski-Tripper. I like to take and share photographs of important events for the students, and really enjoy going on trips that are for other subjects or completely out of my wheelhouse.

Q: You were nominated for Team Talks for your work beyond the classroom. Please tell us about that.
A: I wholeheartedly enjoy spending my time and getting to know our students outside of my core teaching role. We all need to see beyond what is on the surface — that there is more to people than the subject they teach or the job they do. Students too need to be seen beyond the subject that you teach. We all need encouraging to reach for the many different opportunities available or at least to have a try and gain a new experience.

“We all need to see beyond what is on the surface — that there is more to people than the subject they teach or the job they do.”

Q: What motivates you to keep pushing this work forward?
A: School was not the amazing experience for me that I hear others reminisce about, so it is important that it is a positive and memorable experience for our students. More selfishly, I enjoy the daily interactions I have with them — that we say hi and smile in passing, help each other and actually stop to chat, be a little silly and have a laugh together is a true joy. Seeing the progress that these students make, not just academically but in their self-belief, resilience and drive, is hugely rewarding.

“Seeing the progress that these students make, not just academically but in their self-belief, resilience and drive, is hugely rewarding.”

Q: What have you learned along the way?
A: In the end I would really like to believe I made a difference. There are a great number of staff in our school who go above and beyond on a daily basis, which is very inspiring. I really like the idea of ‘paying it forward’. Doing something outside your chosen subject helps with your enthusiasm — there is so much more to you than what you teach.

Q: Which MET value connects most strongly to your work?
A: All three — Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together — but particularly Be Inclusive, because embracing diversity and recognising different strengths is at the heart of what I do.

Q: What advice would you give to colleagues?
A: Find something you truly enjoy and hopefully it will never feel like a burden, even when it is not easy. Go and visit other subjects and join events outside your expertise. Do not be afraid to laugh at yourself.

Q: Any final thoughts or thank yous?
A: Thanks to all those who help in the extracurricular activities and to the staff who put up with my visits when I need a break or some inspiration.

Huge thanks to Dr Dearman for taking the time to Team Talk with us.

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