Max B who is part of the Northgate News Team, decided to interview Mr Oldfield, who is Head of Religious Studies and Citizenship as well as being Laboratory School Coordinator. Here’s what he had to say in response to Max’s questions:
What do you enjoy the most about being a Head of Department?
It gives me the opportunity to talk to other people – staff, students and parents – about things I find incredibly fascinating and help them learn about them.
Why do you think subjects like RE and Citizenship are important for young people today?
Our individual lives are impacted by those around us, and we impact other people; it’s up to us to ensure these happen in a positive way. RE and Citizenship
What’s your favourite topic to teach in RE or Citizenship?
It’s not so much that I have a favourite topic, but rather that any topic can come alive when the students grasp it. As a teacher, I’m always looking to make the topics come alive.
What qualities make a good RE or Citizenship student?
Inquisitive and thoughtful; wanting to find out more about other people, and wanting to think deeply about their own point of view.
What’s the most rewarding part of being a teacher?
Seeing students succeed.
What skills do students gain from RE and Citizenship that they might not realise?
Communication skills; the importance of listening to others and being able to express yourself clearly in response.
What do you enjoy doing outside of school?
I have a fantastic family with whom I love spending time. I thoroughly enjoy watching movies, and also playing bass guitar and acoustic guitar.
What’s a book, film, or documentary that has influenced the way you think?
The Bible.
If you weren’t a teacher, what career do you think you’d have chosen?
I was always going to be a teacher!
What’s a fun or unexpected fact about you?
I was born in Scotland
How do you think school subjects like RE and Citizenship help create better citizens?
It asks subjects to think about how they relate and react to people around them, and encourages them to be inquisitive.
Describe Northgate in 3 words.
A. Great. Place.
Do you support any sports teams?
I was brought up in Bolton, in the North West of England, so Bolton Wanderers are my football team.
What has been the biggest change you’ve seen in students since becoming Head of Department?
I became Head of Department in 2007, the same year the iPhone came out. Social Media, and its impact on students is DEFINITELY the biggest change I’ve seen. But that might be a whole other interview!
What do you hope students remember about your lessons when they leave school?
“Mr O cared about how well I did.”
Who was a teacher or role model that inspired you when you were younger, and why?
Teacher – my physics teacher who showed me that even if things are difficult, there is always a way to get better at it!
My parents – they taught me that how you treat other people really matters.
Thank you to Mr Oldfield for taking the time to answer Max’s questions. We always look forward to finding out a bit more about our teaching staff and support staff at Northgate. We look forward to the next interview.