Paul’s #frideday feature

Frideday Feature

- what’s your current teaching position/subject: PE Teacher and British Cycling Coach Educator.

- what’s your current focus in education?

Completing my NPQSL and taking the next step into school leadership.

- how does riding help you?

Having spent some time off the bike, due to moving house and getting carried away with everything I had to do, I couldn't find the time to get on the bike and ride. So now things have settled down, and summer is around the corner. It's time to get back on the bike and start riding again. As it's something I loved doing that I stopped, it allows me to clear my head after a busy day, achieve goals that I've set and it's always great for weight loss.

- why did you apply to be an ambassador/what would you like to do as an ambassador?

To promote the TCC to teachers in my local area and get out more on the bike with like minded people.

- what do you think is special about TCC?

It's a great community if like minded educational folk, who want to share a common hobby/goal.

- what are your current bike(s) and dream bike:

Current bikes: Giant Propel Advanced 0 and Cube Cross Race C62 SL.

Dream bike: Something aero and fast, and probably something my wife wouldn't be happy with!

- what’s your best cycling achievement or memory?

Not finishing last in the Cyclocross National Championships back in 2018. 🤣🤣🤣

Organising a round of the Cyclocross National Trophy in 2021 at Herrington Park, pulling in a great field of riders to race and a fantastic crowd.

Also back in the summer of 2022, I arranged a surprise meet-up with my old uni house mates, one of which who now lives in Mallorca. As @shoops83 was back in the UK for his summer holidays as a teacher in Singapore. We surprised him with a visit and 3 days of the best cycling and banter ever.

- what’s your best teaching achievement or memory?

Working my way through middle leadership into an AHT role for a maternity cover in school. It was great to get experience of Senior Leadership and develop as a teacher and a leader.

I also remember my first delivery of coach education with British Cycling for the old Level 2 course. I was giving advice to a learner on the course, who happened to be a multiple olympic gold medalist and World Champ! They took on board my advice and then used it within their coaching session, then thanked me for pointing it out, as they felt the feedback helped them improve their session and they'd not spotted it.

- do you have a golden tip for teaching and/or cycling?

Keep it simple and make sure your consistent.