29/03/2025
“Who am I?”
A question asked by the fabulous Henry Kelly on Going For Gold. A programme you watched when you were off school ill or your mates were busy in the holidays!!! When Mr Kelly passed recently it made me think, who am I…well here you go!
I’m Adam! Hi! Some of you know me through work, some from passing, some from interviews or through my personal life. For those who don’t…here’s a rundown and an update of where I am and where I’m going.
In my career world, I’m a teacher of science, mostly physics but I know algae isn’t a plant and know what pretty colours certain compounds give me when ignited! I’ve done this for 20yrs+ (I use good moisturiser obviously), and it’s been good to me and I’m super passionate about it. I’ve led teaching and learning incentives, coached others, done the extra curricular stuff and I like to think inspired younger generations. I got into it though on a false pretence. I actually used to work in live events and concerts.
At university I did a BSc in Broadcast Technology, knowing I wanted to do technical stuff but not sure what. I got a job doing vision and sound at Cream in Liverpool and also at Adlib as a freelance sound engineer, working at gigs/shows/festivals. Due to unforeseen family circumstances I felt I had to be near home and I had to step away from this world I loved…the owner Andy was amazing at trying to keep me on with many options and offers but my youthful naivety made me step away.
I thought what job isn’t stressful, decent working hours, well paid and reasonable annual leave? Channel 4 gave me the answer in the show “Teachers”. 13 weeks leave, pub at lunch, doesn’t seem too stressful 🤦🏻‍♂️
I went to Leeds, did my PGCE, met some fab people and took up the role of teacher in West Yorkshire. The mad thing was, despite the false promises (curse you Andrew Lincoln), I fell in love with the job (and another teacher who I went on to marry!).
I went into teacher training and being a national lead for courses and more at STEM Learning UK where I worked for 8yrs. I sat on advisory boards, led national programmes, met Sir David Attenborough (and Boaty McBoatface!). Life was great!
Once again, a curveball was thrown and I found myself looking for another challenge. I went back to the classroom with UTC Leeds which is an amazing place to work. It’s meant working alongside old colleagues, even an old student (as I said before…good moisturiser).
I’m doing online tutoring when I can, which is going well and supporting students outside the classroom carries different challenges but is very rewarding.
My initial career in events has carried on in the background as I still did sound as and when I could, my mid life crisis has seen me finally become a DJ (I will do my 100th gig next week), and I’m planning on doing a part time Masters in Live Event Design at the Academy of Live Technology from Sept.
With everything going on, who knows what the future will hold…I’m looking forward to it!!
