NSC Engineering Lecturer Graduates from Oxford

Oswestry, United Kingdom, April 16, 2015 --(PR.com)-- Simon Thomas, the Engineering Coordinator at North Shropshire College’s (NSC) Aspire Centre in Tenbury Wells, has recently graduated with an MSc in Learning and Teaching from Oxford University.

Simon commented on his studies and research at Oxford, saying, "The part time MSc in Learning and Teaching has enabled me to consider new ideas raised from current research within the Department of Education and where relevant, try them out. They encourage you to be a 'risk taker' within your teaching practise. Not all things have worked, but by evaluating success or failure from empirical research, I could at least try and raise the profile of my vocation which is mechanical engineering."

Simon’s research focused on applying 'real mathematics' within the GCSE curriculum to practical engineering machining, so students could see the necessity and the relevance of having good maths skills. Simon commented, "This is no secret to machinists worldwide; however, there is a growing misconception in education that engineering is predominantly for low attaining students. I hope through the support of my supervisor Professor John Mason and his wife Professor Anne Watson; I have at least been able to challenge these misconceptions of mechanical engineering at governmental level as well as the ‘chalk face’."

Commenting on his graduation, Simon said, "Graduating was amazing, something I will never forget. I am in regular communication with staff at Oxford to ask for their opinions on my continuing engineering workshop research. I would like to thank everybody from North Shropshire College and beyond who helped make my MSc possible."

For more information on engineering qualifications at North Shropshire College’s Walford Campus and Aspire Centre, please visit www.nsc.ac.uk or call the Admissions Team on 01691 688080.