Adrian Watson

I hope that you will be able to consider me a suitable applicant for the position of teacher of Law. I have had a long and successful career in Post 16 education; I have taught ‘A’ level Law, ‘Btec’ Applied Law but I also have extensive experience in personal tutoring and preparing university applications. Additionally I have been an ‘A’ level Law examiner.

I believe all lessons should be lively, motivating and interesting; being an ex-police officer and having direct personal experience of many of the A level Law topics has enlivened classes. As a parent I have always worked to the standard that I would expect for my children. When reflecting upon my teaching I will always ask whether that lesson would have been good enough for my own sons.

Law is a fascinating subject; it does however contain a mass of information. Students can struggle to retain and apply the detailed knowledge that is required in public examinations. Merely presenting the subject or giving copious notes or handouts will never be enough. Students need activities tuned to their needs to develop understanding and skills. Law has traditionally been delivered using a Socratic method; constant targeted questioning still remains one of the best ways to reinforce learning. Students need to become autonomous learners. The use of ILT allows them to research the subject, examine news stories and fully acquaint themselves with the both vast but constantly changing subject that they have decided to learn. I am a keen exponent of formative assessment; as a teacher I always need to be able to measure the learning of the students. I use a variety of tests in class and formal examinations. Using this information, I can support every student to achieve.

Ultimately success is measured in final examinations. I was an A level examiner from 1997 to 2000 with the now defunct NEAB. This was a useful experience which will prove especially beneficial as assessment returns to a more traditional linear method.

Besides teaching Law I also have experience of teaching ‘A’ level Business Studies, Government and Politics and AS Philosophy. I also have extensive experience in personal tutoring and welfare; I specialised in this work during the latter part of my time at Huddersfield New College. I have supported students with a wide variety of personal, health and educational difficulties. 

I felt that I was ready to move from Huddersfield New College; I accepted a severance package believing that I would be able to meet a new challenge elsewhere. I was able to carry on my teaching career at Longley Park Sixth Form College. This was an excellent experience and a successful one too.  In the academic year 2013/14 prior to my arrival the success rate for the Sub. Dip. In Applied Law was 90%, achievement was the same. In 2016 it rose to 97.1% retention was 97.1% and the achievement rate was 100% the rate for higher A/B achievement in 2016 was 68% the highest in the college. Students from one of the poorest parts of the UK have been able to go on to prestigious universities and it was gratifying to play a part in this success.

As well as improving results I was able to enhance the learning experience of the Applied Law students. Students went on at least one court visit, they saw guest speakers from the legal profession, magistracy and the police. They visited the law departments of the two Sheffield Universities, and I took a group for an MP’s tour of parliament. We also saw the Supreme Court and visited ‘legal London’. Several students had never visited London before. I also started a ‘moot’ team who participated in a competition organised by Sheffield Hallam University. 

In September 2017 I took up a temporary maternity cover role as Head of Law at Strode College Somerset. Strode College is one of the best A level providers in the country; I saw this as an excellent environment in which to teach A level Law again. As the subject lead I was responsible for the supervision of an NQT in their first year of teaching. The results at the end of the year were the best A level Law results ever recorded. There were 19 A*s in A level Law and an overall subject ALPS score of 2. In my two A level classes out of 38 students, 10 were awarded A*, at A there were 9 and there were no grades below D. 

The levels of expectation in Somerset were much higher than I had experienced. Upon reflection I believe that by using the same methods of classroom control and engagement employed at Sheffield the Strode students were required to work harder in Law; the lessons were developed to encourage deep levels of knowledge and understanding. Students were familiar with the assessment methods used in the examination and their skills were developed mindful of the demands of the examination. Feedback used exam board terminology. Students felt well prepared and the outstanding results speak for themselves.

In September 2018 I returned to the north and took up a post of teacher of law at Pendleton Sixth Form College, Salford.  In February of 2019 I became poorly and requested that my contract with the college be terminated due to ill health. I’m pleased to report that my health has recovered and since May 2019 I have been working away from teaching. 

Adrian J. Watson.

Work history

WARBURTON’S Ltd – May 2019 to August 2022

I have a role well away from teaching. I hold an LGV (C+E) licence, I have worked as a trunker driver.

PENDLETON SIXTHFORM COLLEGE – August 2018 to March 2019

I was responsible for the delivery of A level law and B.TEC Applied Law. 

STRODE COLLEGE SOMERSET- August 2017 to August 2018

I was a head of subject as a one year maternity cover. I was responsible for the delivery of A level Law to two first year and two second year classes as well as the supervision of a part time NQT.   

LONGLEY PARK SIXTH FORM COLLEGE -  November 2014 to August 2017

I taught law on B.TEC courses including Applied Law as well as the Extended Diploma in Business.

HUDDERSFIELD NEW COLLEGE -  August 2000 to September 2014

I was employed as a full time teacher; I taught a number of subjects including A level Law, Business Studies, Politics and Philosophy. For the last four years I have worked as a specialist form tutor.

DEWSBURY COLLEGE -  August 1996 to August 2000

I was employed as a full time teacher; I taught A level Law, Business Studies and was also responsible for two form groups. During this time I worked as an A level Law examiner for the now defunct NEAB examination board.

WIRRAL METROPOLITAN COLLEGE -  August 1993 – August 1996

I was employed as a full time teacher I was responsible for teaching A level Law.