Annette has recently joined the team as a part time research student. She obtained her Cert. Ed. from Didsbury College of Education (now part of Manchester University) in the days when a degree was not a necessity to become a teacher. She majored in Mathematics with Physics/Science as her subsidiary subject at Secondary school level.

Whilst still in the process of qualifying, Annette was employed to teach at Hazel Grove High School, Stockport. On qualification she moved to Harpurhey High School, Manchester. She was advised that a degree would be advisable for a serious career, so proceeded to obtain one (by fast tracking) through the Open University. The main subjects studied were Mathematics, Statistics and Computing.

After gaining her degree she moved to Holgate School, Barnsley where she was Assistant Head of House and also became an assistant examiner for GCE (now GCSE) mathematics.

Eventually becoming homesick, Annette returned to Plymouth to teach at Lipson Community College where she was Coordinator for Lower School Mathematics and Primary Liaison Advisor. Whilst at Lipson she gained various sporting awards which she utilised to help in running the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

She then moved to Plymouth College of Further Education, initially to gain experience to enable her to apply for Deputy Headships, but enjoyed the variety of work more, and consequently has been there ever since, teaching mathematics and computing, mainly to engineering and computing students. She has taught at all levels from GCSE upwards, including HNC/HND level.

She gained Psychometrician status with the Psychological Corporation through the college, and has been awarded Advanced Teaching Practitioner status. She is also the Information and Learning Technology Champion for the Technology and Computing Programme Area.

Research Interests

Annette’s main interest is in the use of technology in the teaching and learning of mathematics. She is embarking on a research project related to the use of Tegrity Systems in teaching mathematics, focussing on National Certificate and Diploma level engineering students of varying engineering disciplines.

Other Interests

Annette is the Director/Company Secretary for Ki Martial Arts Ltd., an import, export, manufacturing and wholesale company, based in Plymouth. She is also a work based assessor for many related NVQ qualifications for New Deal and Modern Apprentices.

She is also the Registrar for Sport Taekwondo Great Britain, and helps to run the local Ki Tiger’s Taekwondo Schools. As part of this she has edited and compiled an association handbook which covers the requirements for all grading syllabuses.

These taekwondo related activities have taken her all around the world.

In her spare time she enjoys gardening and craft work, such as sewing, knitting and pastel drawing.

Annette can be contacted at ataylor@pcfe.ac.uk