Dr David Paterson

Winner: 2020 Schools Education Award

Aldenham School

For developing innovative and accessible ways of ensuring that chemistry in schools remains a rigorous practical subject.

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Chemistry is central to solving many of the problems we face this century – a career in chemistry will allow you to be part of the solution.

Dr Paterson’s work encourages and engages students with practical work. Practical instructions are usually delivered as a diagram showing how equipment should be set up, and a numbered list of steps to carry out. Having two sources of information to consult – the diagram and the list – means having to split your attention in two places. This can make it harder to understand the instructions and to effectively collect measurements and observations.

Dr Paterson’s work integrates the instructions from both the diagram and written instructions to make them easier to understand. By simplifying instructions, using clear pictograms, numbering, and directing arrows, students find it easier to complete practical work independently. They are also better able to explain why they have carried out the steps they have, and what they can learn from the practical. In other words, they are learning how to do chemistry better, rather than simply ‘following the recipe’.

By making practical work more meaningful and engaging for students, Dr Paterson aims to encourage more to continue their scientific studies beyond school and pursue STEM careers.

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Dr Paterson was born and raised in Winchester, Hampshire, attending King's School and Peter Symonds College. He completed his undergraduate Chemistry studies at the University of Exeter, including an industry year at SmithKline Beecham in Harlow, Essex. Following this, he completed his DPhil studies in Biochemistry at the University of Oxford, did post-doctoral work at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, and completed his PGCE at Homerton College, University of Cambridge.

After completing his NQT year at Saffron Walden County High School, Dr Paterson taught at Meridian School, Royston, for six years, becoming Head of Science. During this time, he became involved with the work of the Association of Science Education and the Royal Society of Chemistry. Following a year at Hitchin Boys School, he took the opportunity to contribute to chemistry teaching on a national scale by becoming a subject advisor at the OCR exam board. Here he contributed to the OCR model of practical assessment at GCSE and A-level, and collaborated with other organisations such as CLEAPSS. After two years, Dr Paterson returned to the classroom at Aldenham School, Elstree, where he developed his ideas on how to support students in understanding practical chemistry. He has continued in his collaborations with RSoC and with CLEAPSS.

Q+A

How did you first become interested in chemistry?

At secondary school – the chemistry experiments in Science lessons were always the most interesting and memorable.

What motivates you?

Being the best teacher I can be for my students. Supporting colleagues in school, and other teachers across the country to teach Chemistry effectively.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Finding and sustaining a balance between life and work.

What has been a highlight for you?

Receiving feedback from teachers I’ve never met that ‘integrated instructions’ are helping their students learn better.

What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in chemistry?

Chemistry is central to solving many of the problems we face this century – a career in chemistry will allow you to be part of the solution.

What is an exciting scientific development on the horizon?

Large scale effective carbon capture and storage, room temperature superconductors, and efficient, cheap and flexible solar cells.

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