A BIT ABOUT Jennie Eyres
Teaching and learning has been at the heart of everything I have done for the last 17 years.
I trained in Journalism and PR, and began my career designing a magazine for a regional charity - but alongside this I taught Media as an extra-curricular activity to students at two secondary schools in Cambridgeshire. I successfully taught Media Studies GCSE to students in a year through weekly twilight session, which led me on to a specialist Media PGCE at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
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I then began teaching, and worked my way up in London schools from media teacher, to BTEC Course leader, to Head of Department, Head of Faculty and finally Lead Practitioner: Head of Vocational Qualifications.
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Along the way, I have examined and moderated for different Leading UK Awarding Bodies. I am currently an examiner and moderator for two different Awarding Bodies.
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While teaching, I felt it was important to be continually learning too, so I gained an MA in Media, Communication and Culture and completed my National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership (NPQSL), based around introducing vocational qualifications to my school and standardising approaches and admin.
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In 2022 I co-authored the Cambridge University Press student book for Creative imedia, and authored the Cambridge University Press revision guide for the same qualification.
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In my spare(!) time I can be found reviewing plays and shows for Reviews Hub and walking my dog Hetty - though not at the same time!
A BIT ABOUT Jenny Gainsford
I started my career in teaching and learning by working as a trainer for a large international recruitment consultancy. Eager to progress, I studied for the CIPD Certificate in Training Practice whilst working full time, before moving into an Organisational Development role in the public sector.
As the daughter of a teacher I always knew where I would end up, and after putting it off for as long as possible, 11 years ago I gave in and trained as an ICT Teacher on the Graduate Teacher Programme. Since that time I’ve taught a range of computing qualifications including IT Diploma, CiDA, ECDL, BTEC ICT, GCSE ICT and Computer Science before moving to the Cambridge Nationals suite of qualifications. I taught and examined the Cambridge Nationals in ICT for 4 years before switching to Creative iMedia.
Over the past 11 years, I've worked as a key stage lead, VLE lead and Head of Department in both mainstream schools and a PRU so have a range of teaching experience behind me.
In my spare time, I write a blog about what's on for local families and maintain a social media presence as This Hitchin Mummy. If that didn't keep me busy enough, I also play bassoon in a local orchestra.
A BIT ABOUT Nikki O'Neil
I have over 8 years design industry experience, starting with several years within the gift wrap & stationery sector. I developed hands on working knowledge of using industry standard software such as Photoshop, Illustrator to create ranges of gifting stationery for wholesale and bespoke clients. I also produced 3D mock ups to allow the client to visualise ideas that were presented to them.
I entered teaching quite late in my life. During my final year at University, and due to the support I received from my lecturers who inspired me, I then trained as a Computer Science teacher at Edge Hill University.
I have taught a wide range of computing qualifications, including DIDA/ CIDA, OCR GCSE Computer Science, L1/2 Creative iMedia and L3 CTEC Cambridge Technical in Digital Media. I also examine, moderate and train teachers.
I am also a carer for my husband, who has stage 5 renal disease and undertakes haemodialysis at home. In my spare time(!), I enjoy family days out and holidays with my daughter and dog Major, alongside taking part in funding raising activities for charities close to my heart such as Race for Life, Kidney Care UK and many more.
A BIT ABOUT Simone Bergbaum
I am Head of Media and Film at a North London School and have been there since 2016. I contributed to the new Creative imedia spec Cambridge University Press resources in 2022 by writing the R095 unit, Characters and Comics.
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My hobbies are performing in plays and musicals and singing, along with meeting up with Jen Eyres when she pops down from way up North back to the big smoke!
A BIT ABOUT Dave Corbett
With a teaching career that commenced in 2010, I have navigated various roles, culminating in my position as the Head of Department at a comprehensive high school in 2019. Throughout my professional journey, I've been dedicated to imparting knowledge in a range of subjects, covering traditional GCSE/A-level and Vocational qualifications in Business Studies, ICT, Computer Science, and Creative iMedia.
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In parallel with my teaching commitments, I proudly serve as the founder of Simply Teach, a national provider of resources for OCR GCSE Computer Science, Cambridge Nationals Creative iMedia, Cambridge Technicals Digital Media, WJEC GCSE ICT, and Digital Technology, as well as KS3.
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Beyond the classroom, my interests range from traveling to new destinations to the simple joys of walking my dog. Balancing my time between family and friends, I enjoy gatherings over drinks and, notably, a delightful curry.