About me
I became a teacher because education changed my life and I wanted the same for others. I left school at 16 with two ‘O’ Levels, taking low-grade jobs until a ‘day release’ A-level in Sociology transformed my life. It marked the beginning of an enduring love affair with education. I love ideas, literature and conversation, and feel privileged to have had a profession which has brought these to my life.
Beyond the confines of formal education I created a book club more than 25 years ago which is still going. I was also a founding member of an annual creative festival (‘the small festival’), now in its second decade. Here, as well as in the college where I was both student and teacher, I have given public workshops and lectures, and remain engaged with intellectual and political life.
Now retired from formal teaching I aim to remain on a journey of learning and teaching and the pleasure of helping others.
"Bernard was my teacher from September 2015 until June 2016 and within that time he was nothing but excellent. All of his classes were delivered in a passionate and informative manner and he was always helpful, clear, knowledgeable and extremely patient. He is without a doubt, the best teacher I have had and without him being my tutor I am sure that I would not have done as well as I did. It was an absolute pleasure to of had Bernard as a teacher and I cannot recommend him enough".