Northgate News Interview – Mr Jewell
Max, Year 11, is part of the Northgate News Team. He decided to interview Mr Jewell who is our Design Department Technician. Here’s what he had to say in response to Max’s questions.
What is your role in the wood technology department, and what does it involve?
My role as Design & Technology Technician involves a great deal of tasks. These include:
- preparing and setting up resources for practical lessons across the department
- maintaining machinery and equipment and repairing if necessary
- helping students with their designs for practical projects and realising them
- assisting teachers with preparation for classes throughout the day
These are just a few of the various duties I perform from day to day.
What made you want to work in wood technology and in a school environment?
I have always enjoyed designing, making, repairing, and creating all sorts of things using as many tools and types of machinery as I can. I also enjoy passing on knowledge that I have gained through experience and if this can help students with their projects and interests and teach them skills for their future then I am more than happy to help.
What kind of work did you do before coming to this school?
I was a full-time dad for a while, looking after my children and before that I worked in retail and retail management.
What is your favourite part of working in a workshop?
Seeing the end result of something that has been designed and realised from start to finish, either by myself or students.
Do you have any hobbies?
I love spending time with my children, designing and making things, going for bike rides or walks and Geocaching. I have always loved movies, especially sci-fi and I do like gaming.
Have you worked on any personal projects? If not, would you like to?
I have completed many personal projects, from home DIY, to log reindeers, to hollowed out tree trunk lamps, to 3D printing and furniture to name a few.
What advice would you give students who are thinking about a career in wood technology or something similar?
If you enjoy making things, keep at it, keep practicing, try new ways of making things. If you have ideas running around your head, build them! There is nothing better than seeing and feeling something you have imagined and made real with your own hands.
Do you watch any sports or do you support a team?
I don’t follow sports at all, I enjoy taking part in a few different sports here and there.
What do you enjoy outside of school?
I love relaxing at home or getting out and about doing different things with my family, but always having a laugh and not taking things too seriously.
What’s a book, film, or documentary that has influenced the way you think?
I love sci-fi and new technologies so I like to aim for the future in the things I do, try to find better ways of doing things or more efficient ways. I think this started when I saw my favourite movie – Aliens, so I think this has influenced the way I think more than anything else.
Who was a teacher or role model that inspired you when you were younger, and why?
I would say my dad is a role model for me as he was not particularly an academic person, but he could make anything from computers to buildings, from cars to gadgets for home. I joke and say he was able to make a flying tank from a bean tin and a lolly stick.
What’s a fun or unexpected fact about you?
A fun fact is, I love a good party and am usually the life and soul of it.
A big thank you to Mr Jewell for answering these questions and obviously for the valued support he is able to offer the Design Department and students.
Miss Thomas mainly teaches at Dereham Sixth Form, teaching Sociology, Psychology and Law, however this year she is also teaching Citizenship to a number of Year 7 groups. Jacob B, Year 7, who is part of the Northgate News Team decided to find out a bit more about Miss Thomas. Here’s what she had to say in response to his questions:
Thomas, Year 8, is part of the Northgate News Team. He decided to interview Mr Collyer from the Maths Department. Mr Collyer joined Northgate in September 2024 and recently organised the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge. Here’s what he had to say in response to Thomas’ questions.