Personal Statement
Chris Davies-Barnard is a reliable and resourceful computer science graduate with a proven track record of software development and teaching. Combining sound knowledge and experience of computer theory with a full range of teaching, leadership and instructing practice.
A highly skilled educator with over 13 years experience at ages 6 to 60+ including outdoor instruction and more traditional classroom teaching.
Possessing considerable knowledge of Web Application Development including PHP, MySql, HTML, CSS and Javascript/JQuery. Experienced in working in teams and managing both people and projects to ensure that objectives are met to the highest standard.
Experience
Self‐Employed Web Design and Application Development (2009-now)
Involved in Website Design and Development since leaving University in 2003 and completing paid work since 2006. Experience based around LAMP systems where in addition to many website designs; a full featured CMS has been produced ground up using best practice such as OOP and MVC; WordPress and Joomla Extensions written; and custom web applications using the Codeigniter and CakePhp frameworks developed. Clients have also been advised on SEO, Adword and Social Media development with work being undertaken on their behalf. Notable projects are documented across this site and in particular on my Recent Development Work
ICT Secondary Teacher (2003 – now)
Through working as a climbing instructor a connection was made that teaching would be an enjoyable and challenging way of utilising computing expertise. Experience of teaching in three schools since graduating, spending the last six years teaching mainly upper school students at Cotham School, Bristol.
John Of Gaunt School, Trowbridge (2012 – now)
I’ll be joining JOG in September of this year and am looking forward to the new challenges this will bring.
Cotham School, Bristol (2005 – 2012)
Joined Cotham in 2005 as ICT Coordinator for Key Stages 4 and 5, which included responsibility for GCSEs and A Levels. Successful implementation of a number of new courses, including BTECs in Web Design and Computer Graphics; and Computing. Whilst enjoying teaching favorite subjects to young people the challenges of learning and exploring new ideas has been missed. In September 2010 dropped to a 0.5 part‐time contract so more time could be invested into software development.
Broadlands School, Keynsham (2004 – 2005)
During my NQT year I have been able to consolidate on my training. Broadlands is very different in terms of pupil background and baseline ability requiring me to develop new strategies within my teaching.
As the designated school for BANES I have worked with a number of VI and low ability pupils which has developed my experience of a wider teaching spectrum. As an Yr7 tutor and this has given me a good insight into the transition from Yr6 to Yr7.
Deer park School, Cirencester (2003 – 2004)
As a GTP teacher I was fully integrated into the school from day one. I provided maternity cover for a Yr10 tutor group and undertook all normal tutor responsibilities. I had sole responsibility for a number of classes covering Yr8, Yr9 and Yr10. and was expected to perform all of the auxiliary tasks of a classroom teacher.
Outdoor and Climbing Instructor
The Bristol Climbing Centre, Bristol (1999 – 2011)
I worked at UCR in a number of roles including Duty Manager, Casual Staff, Route Setter & Instructor between 1999 and 2003 before working on casual freelance basis 2011. I increasingly focused on the higher risk courses and sessions requiring greater technical skill. The climbing centre ran a full range of course for anyone aged 6 upwards from indoor climbing sessions to outdoor rock experience weekends.
Box Hedge Farm Events, Bristol (2007 – now)
Through contacts made at the centre I now freelance periodically for a local firm who run off-road driving sessions in a variety of vehicles. They also offer high ropes courses which lend to my climbing experience
Professional Sound Engineer (1992 ‐ 1999)
Started with Audio Forum as a Live Sound Engineer and progressed through to the position of Area Sales Director. Sales responsibility involved the national launch of a new project at the annual trade show followed by sales to nightclubs within the UK. The sales process included: demonstrations, technical specification and quoting; and installation.
The management of a sound system could involve working with anything up to 80 Kilowatt sound systems powered by as many as 30 amplifiers providing any number of different live mixes. Managing such a powerful and expensive system took a great deal of focus and during live events the potential for problems such as blown amplifiers or cable failures was never far away. The pressure and focus required by live events, particularly when providing the onstage sound for artists, was most enjoyable.
Education
University Of Gloucestershire
ICT PGCE – (2003 ‐ 2004)
Based at Cirencester Deer Park School the PGCE was undertaken alongside the Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) which fast tracks graduates into the classroom. PGCE Subject Project looked at an Electronic Markbook written using MS Access and significant VBA.
University Of Bristol
2:1 BSc Computer Science ‐ (1999 ‐ 2003)
Focusing on Software Development and Multi Media over three years. In addition to Software Development and Programming, where the main languages of choice were C and Java, units of applied study included: Multimedia, Computer Vision, Sound Processing and Cryptography.
City Of Bristol College
3 x A Levels @ ACC – (1998 ‐ 1999)
Business Studies, Maths and Physics AS and A2 were successfully completed in one year from scratch, after a considerable break from education.
Skills
Computer Based
In addition to those programming skills previously mentioned, experienced in C, Java, Python (& Django), VB, Prolog and Haskell. History of managing Unix servers notably Ubuntu and CPanel based VPSs. Competent user of both Mac and Windows with many hours experience of MS Office, Adobe Design Suite, etc.
Personal
Pro‐active solution seeking individual who is keen to offer support and advice to colleagues and clients. Highly experienced in communicating new and/or technical ideas to non‐technical persons. Dependable team player that is able to adapt to changing priorities. Excellent attention to detail and high personal standards.
Other
Additional skills include: Qualified Climbing Instructor; Full clean LGV Class 1 Driving License; Current First Aid Certificate.
Interests
Keen interest in the outdoors including Sailing, Kitesurfing and Cycling.