My Story
Growing up, I really enjoyed a wide range of subjects and activities, from literature to taekwando I enjoyed anything where I could learn something new - even picking up the drums. However, as I matured, I began to recognise that science was the fundamental thread connecting many of my interests. Whether it was the physics behind the sound of my drums, the chemistry in the food I ate or the biological lever systems which are crucial to sport, science provided a deeper understanding of the world around me. This realisation gradually directed my focus towards science, as it could be used to explain everything else I loved. It also helped that I was good at these subjects during the time when I decided to take school seriously. Interestingly, it was not the content which I found in school that drove my curiosity - it was stumbling across complex quantum mechanics videos on youtube, mathematical magic tricks and some exceptional teachers who directed me to content that went beyond the syllabus.
As I continued to get older, I discovered that I really enjoyed (and was fairly good at) teaching others. This began when I moved to college for two reasons: it was the first time I met people interested in talking about the sciences; and I discovered my passion for rugby coaching during Covid as I took a Captain/Coach role in my 2nd year of 6th form. I still find myself coaching 5 years later. As a result of this, during my year out I opted to take a role as a SEN (Special Educational Needs) Assistant in a secondary school. Predominantly teaching science subjects to some of the most vulnerable in our schooling system was challenging but an incredibly eye opening experience. It was at this time I really discovered my skill and passion for teaching, there is nothing better than helping others learn to love something you care about. Throughout university, I continued to hone my ability to communicate and educate through various channels, whether that be through captaining a league winning side in my 3rd year, coaching all kinds of sports over summer or even just engaging in conversations with interesting people.
I started AJ Education to give back the guidance that shaped me and my success
As I progressed through school, I enjoyed the science and maths subjects so much that going into university I couldn’t pick just one - opting for a flexible BSc in Natural Sciences at Durham University, where I could eventually specialise in any combination of Physics, Chemistry or Maths. This has given me a very broad view of these subjects and how they link together so succinctly. This fairly unique route made me realise how transferrable the knowledge and skills I had acquired were not only within the field but also throughout different aspects of life. The application of these skills allowed me to balance studying, have success in leadership roles at high level university sport, maintain a social framework and healthy habits. Science taught me how to be successful.
For many, who don’t see science and maths as their calling, it is these transferrable skills which should be at the core of their education. Otherwise, much of what we learn becomes purposeless very quickly. I aim to teach with these skills specifically in mind whilst ensuring every student reaches their academic goals. Ultimately, science and maths are not arbitrary subjects we happen to do in school, but disciplines that nurture the analytical and creative mind. By focusing on developing specific skills, education can empower individuals to thrive in any environment and contribute meaningfully in whatever sector they choose.
I started AJ Education to equip more students with the skills to build success across all aspects of life
Even after finishing my formal education, every day I find that my knowledge and understanding of the physical world enriches my day to day experience and puts joy into otherwise mundane tasks. Sunsets and rainbows become practical demonstrations of fundamental laws of the universe. Sitting behind a laptop typing away becomes much more magical when one takes the time to realise this works because humans have etched billions of tiny semiconductor gates onto a chip the size of a postage stamp, all of which represent a 0 or a 1, which somehow manifests itself as a functioning laptop from which I can design this website.
The natural world is inherently linked to the progress of science, with our model for the binding of nuclei being inspired to a drop of liquid and the ripples made when a stone is dropped in water resembling the mathematical structures that describe electron wavefunctions. Unfortunately, I find many do not get the opportunity to realise that science truly does contain magic. .