BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW…

ALEX MARTIN – TEACHER OF SCIENCE, BOHUNT WOKINGHAMthe morning?

Apart from the allure of coffee, it’s the chance to talk about science all day whilst also helping people.

How would you describe your day job to a child?

Intense! No one day will be the same and there will always be a list of things to do, but it can be very rewarding also!

What is your biggest achievement to date, personal or professional?

Scoring a goal against Liverpool FC Academy when younger! I’d love to say it was an unstoppable shot from 30 yards into the top corner, but in reality it was a tap-in from 2 yards! They all count!

What does a typical day look like to you and what are you currently working on?

I get up at around 6:30 am and try to be at work by about 7:45am. I get my printing for the day sorted and check my emails. Any periods when I don’t teach, I try to get as much done as possible, be it lesson planning, marking etc. At the end of the day I stay for an hour or so to finish off anything I need to. I then try to go to the gym before I go home. In the evenings I like to watch TV, play chess and go for walks when it’s a bit brighter.

Currently, I am working on improving my physics understanding. As a biology and psychology specialist, my studies didn’t see much overlap with physics concepts, although I do like talking with students and colleagues about the little-known field of ‘psychophysics’!

What 3 words would you use to describe your role?

Intense, demanding, rewarding.

What’s your favourite line from a film?

“Does anyone have any orange slices?” – Ant-Man, Captain America: Civil War.

What do you like most about your job?

Being able to help people and talking to them about interesting science theories!

What are your biggest professional challenges? Balancing the workload and trying not to be a perfectionist with things!

What’s your personal mantra?

“What’s the biggest waste of time? Comparing yourself to others.” Charlie Mackesy.