RSCs – Stimulating and Supporting Innovation in Learning
by Stockton Riverside College PR Office, 27 January 2010
This article is recommended for: Academic Staff, ACL, FE, HE, Learning Resources Staff, Managers, Technical Staff, WBL
Dr Richard Spencer, Subject Leader in Biology at SRC Bede Sixth Form, Billingham in the Tees Valley, has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year 2010 Honours List by Her Majesty the Queen in recognition of his services to science communication.
In the past five years, Dr Spencer has won two national STAR Awards (FE Tutor of the Year and Outstanding Subject Learning Coach) and has represented the UK twice at international festivals of science teaching in France and Germany. He was chosen as a Regional e-Learning Champion in RSC Northern's Celebration of e-Learning Awards in 2006, completed a prestigious Gatsby Teaching Fellowship and won the Award for Best Interdisciplinary Teaching at Science on Stage in Berlin.
Recently, his meiosis wiki reached the top 50 e-Learning websites in Europe, and he has worked with Discover the World to write a field work programme for students to study Biology in Iceland. He has delivered numerous Biology lectures and workshops at venues including the Royal Society in London, Thanet College in Kent, Sunderland Industry Centre and Durham Science Learning Centre. He has been invited to Downing Street twice, for his contributions to further education and to public services. He has also been awarded Chartered Science Teacher status by the Association of Science Educations and Science Council.
Dr Spencer will be invited to an investiture event to be organised by the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood in St James’ Palace, London.
In accepting his MBE, Dr. Richard Spencer remarked: “I received a letter from the Cabinet Office in November to say that the Prime Minister intended to submit my name to the Queen, on the recommendation of the Cabinet Secretary and Main Honours Committee. The letter was very official and highly confidential. I know some people are very impressed I kept it quiet for so long! I’m stunned but thrilled, and very grateful to everyone who has encouraged me over the years, including students past and present who share my passion for making learning fun and for bringing Biology to life”.
