University of Greenwich appoints new head of education and training
The University of Greenwich has appointed Chris Philpott BEd MA as Head of the School of Education & Training. Chris currently leads the Department of Secondary Education at the university.
A former music teacher, Chris (pictured) started his musical career as a cornet player in the Betteshanger Colliery Brass Band. He took a teacher training degree at Middlesex Polytechnic then went on to teach and manage music and performing arts in secondary schools. After 16 years in the classroom he moved into teacher training, working as a lecturer in music education at Canterbury Christ Church University. Chris joined the University of Greenwich in 2004 where he has pioneered a new course, in collaboration with Trinity College of Music, enabling musicians to become teachers in secondary schools and elsewhere.
Chris has written widely in the field of music education and has research interests in the relationship between music, language and the body. He will take up his new post in September, following the retirement of Dr Tricia Meers.
In his new role, Chris will lead a team of 130 permanent staff and 3,800 students. A distinctive feature of teacher training at the University of Greenwich is that it spans every part of the education system: from early years through to post-16, adult and higher education. The school also has expertise in professional development for teachers, lecturers and managers in the education sector.Vocational training is offered for roles in youth and community work, physical education and sport, and education support.
Based on the university’s attractive parkland campus at Avery Hill, in the London Borough of Greenwich, the school works in partnership with an extensive network of schools and colleges in the region and more widely. Many staff are involved in research and enterprise and there are plans to develop this further.
Chris says: “I’m proud to be taking on this role at the University of Greenwich, whose roots in teacher education go back more than 100 years. Today, the university has a diverse student body, particularly in terms of ethnicity, with a high proportion of part-time students. That means our graduates reflect the communities in which they will serve as education professionals. This is a stimulating environment in which to work.”
The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Baroness Blackstone, says: “I am delighted that Chris Philpott is to take up this senior role in the university. He is one of the UK’s best-known experts on music education, with a great deal of experience as a secondary school teacher and in teacher education. He will bring all this expertise to the School of Education & Training and take it forward to the next stage of its development.”
For images or more information please contact:
Neil McKeown, Public Relations
University of Greenwich
Tel: 020 8331 9420