For our first 'A Conversation With...' of the 2021-2022 academic year we spoke with our new Head of Design, Engineering and Technology, Mr Liam Fuller. Mr Fuller is enjoying being able to teach practical lessons again and is passionate about his subject in which 'failure is essential for success'.
What are your first impressions of Shiplake College?
My wife, Mrs Kench, has been teaching singing at Shiplake for the last four years so I had some insight into what it would be like but seeing the wonderful opportunities offered to the pupils and sharing in their educational experience has been absolutely amazing. The pupils here don't disappoint - you can really embrace teaching here... they are receptive, have great ideas and are willing to take advice on board.
What roles have you held in the past and what inspired you to be a teacher?
I have been a teacher for 28 years. Prior to that I worked for Rolls Royce creating aero (jet) engines. I feel that it is useful for DET teachers to have an industrial background as teaching involves creating context to make the content relevant and is important for grounding. I also worked as a Blue Coat at Pontins for four summers whilst at university, during which I met my wife who was performing. I'm not musical myself but I now help with all the sound and lighting for her gigs!
I had great DET teachers when I was at school, who encouraged me to read Engineering at university. I was driven to become a teacher as I believe passionately about the importance of DET in the curriculum.
What role does DET have in a pupil's curriculum and learning?
It requires pupil to problem-solve, think for themselves, experiment and create solutions. The subject rewards pupils for making mistakes on their journey to finding solutions - failure is essential for success and it is an accepted part of learning.
What's the best 'invention' linked with DET that has impacted all of us in our day to day lives?
I am a particular fan of James Dyson and his vacuum cleaner. He is such a role model, for someone who spent time in his shed tinkering and experimenting, he is now a Sir and a multi-millionaire. All DET teachers should use this British success story as a case study.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I am a scout leader and I also like to collect Lego Technical sets, which I started doing when I was 11 - I keep all the boxes and instructions. I've recently got the Bugatti Chiron and hoping for the Lamborghini next!
What have you valued being able to do the most since restrictions have been lifted?
I have loved being able to get back into the workshop and do practicals again - whilst remote learning meant we covered important parts of the syllabus, I had done theory to death! It is so good to be back in the classroom.
What does the future hold for Mr Fuller?
I am looking forward to growing the DET Department further to be a place of great design and a celebration of pupil work, and to develop CAD/CAM technologies.
