Ian Galloway - Professional Development Director

Need a driver?
I never imagined that when I began teaching physics thirty years ago I would be involved in one of the world's most exciting projects. With my passion for motor bikes and classic cars, BLOODHOUND SSC was just a fantastic opportunity to focus on science, mathematics and technology in order to stimulate young people to take a greater interest in engineering.

Where I have driven:
One of the four deserts I have driven through was considered for the record test site, the great salt lake, Tuz Gölü in Turkey. It was unfortunately too wet....I could have told them that and saved the team the embarrassment of getting stuck in the salt! The other deserts I have driven through were all sand, Syrian, Jordanian and Egyptian, with just enough track for my MGB. It was only when driving to the top of Mount Vesuvius along a cinder track that I discovered my MGB was not in fact built like a Landrover.

What drives me:
I began my career researching into rocket photography, in those days we had to digitise our own photographs, and have enjoyed teaching in the Near East and Germany as well as here in the UK. Research and teaching are very different areas of work but without the teaching there will be no research. I want to see children enjoy their science and mathematics at school and have worked most of my life towards that end. I want students to appreciate the dependence of science, technology and mathematics on each other and BLOODHOUND SSC is the perfect vehicle with which to deliver both the excitement and the learning.

...and my credentials...
As well as thirty years at the chalk face I have been a consultant for Blue Peter, QCA and the Turkish Courts. National Chair of the Association for Science Education after heading up school science departments in three different countries was followed by running the secondary science teacher trainee programme at the University of Southampton. I am a member of the International Science Interest group of Texas Instruments and the European community, LEPLA (Learning Environment for Physics Laboratory Activities) and am now Deputy Director of the Science Learning Centre South East.