James Kuechel
James primarily teaches mathematics on the foundation course for medical sciences. He also tutors for scientific communication. James' area of specialism is in mathematics and accessibility within education and assessment. Based at Westlakes, James will eagerly endorse the opportunities available in this beautiful area to any new students.
James teaches part-time on the foundation course for medical sciences. He specialises in mathematics education and teaches the use of mathematics for investigative skills, and on the scientific communication modules. James is based at our Westlakes campus. James also has positions as an independent educational consultant and is a principal examiner for AQA.
Prior to joining us, James taught for 10 years at both HE and Level 3 equivalency in mathematics and engineering. While in these teaching roles, James became a lead consultant on the role out of a new government-led level 3 mathematics curriculum (known in schools as Core Maths), with the remit of enabling more 16-18-year-olds to study applied maths to enhance their opportunities at University and in the workplace. This role also involved upskilling many new teachers to deliver applied mathematics.
At the end of this period, James completed his Master's degree in education, with research into the perception of post-16 mathematics. His dissertation was a longitudinal impact study into the gender differences of perceptions of maths with the adoption of new curricula by schools and colleges forming a natural intervention.
James left full-time teaching to start up his own consultancy firm. Red Pike Education won the BECBC business awards (2018) through its collaborative work with schools and local businesses to enhance the learning experience of pupils in Cumbria. Collaborations include developing workshops for the Primary-business-partnership and developing work experience programmes for the Centre for Leadership and Performance. This work is ongoing and evolving.
James joined our team in 2019, drawing on his expertise in mathematics education and accessibility to provide the best learning experience for our foundation students looking to embark on a medical career.
In 2020, James was appointed a principal examiner at AQA on the level 3 mathematics board. He takes the lead in writing and approving papers, as well as managing the marking and awarding of papers.
- MA, Education Research, Durham University, 2018
- PGDE, Secondary education, University of Strathclyde, 2008
- BSc, Aeronautical Engineering, University of Glasgow, 2009
- BECBC best start-up business award, 2018
- Assessment of mathematics
- Accessibility of mathematics education and mathematics within SEN provision
- Engagement in mathematics from early years
- Director, Red Pike Education
- Principal Examiner, AQA
- Associate Consultant, Centre for Leadership and Performance
Email: Email:James Kuechel