Peter Roger Davies

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Retired.

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

I graduated in ’96 as a mature student, studying Politics. I then did a PGCE (History with maths) at St Luke’s in ’97. I then became a teacher at a local school until I retired in ’10.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I became a teacher because I believed that I could make a difference going into education as an older person. My life experience enabled me to cope with a difficult job and I was made head of year 8/9 fairly soon in my new career. In the Classroom I loved the “lightbulb” moments, where a difficult concept was being taught, the class was stuggling, but then the penny drops and it was like a lightbulb coming on.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I was a member of the Lib Dem soc.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

It was a pretty balanced course. I Because really enjoyed getting into debating mode in tutorials. Being older than most of the tutors gave rise to some interesting moments.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

Exeter has a beautiful campus with, even back in my day, lots of great buildings, both old and new. However it was so good to be able to leave at the end of the day and go back to my home in the City.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

A very close friend of mine was a lecturer in the theology department, so when I was made redundant from my job with Texaco he persuaded me to do an access course, then apply to Exeter. Best advice I ever had.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

I went into teaching in my late 40’s so all of my previous life experiences helped me settle into my new role.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Be sure you really want to do this very demanding job. But if you do take it on and are successful it is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Students always remember that teacher who manages to inspire them.

What are your plans for the future?

I have now been retired for a number of years so I suppose what I would really like to do is live long enough to get the maximum benefit from my teacher’s pension.