Views from campus... with Adrian Copping

Where did it all start? (What did you study for your first degree and what was your career plan) 

My first degree was actually at one of our legacy institutions, St Martin’s College, Lancaster. I studied english literature, drama and the practice of teaching over four years. It was brilliant, this was back in the 1990s and the campus looked quite different to how it looks now. I was the first year in Waddell Hall and have fond memories of Princess Alexandra (the then Chancellor of Lancaster University) coming to open the flats and looking around ours. The first and only time I have had royalty in my bedroom!

I didn’t really have a career path, I wanted to be a primary school teacher, perhaps leading the subject of english, but I hadn’t thought much beyond that at the time. 

How did you get to your current position? 

I taught in two primary schools (West Lancashire and Lancaster) and in that time I taught a range of year groups and led english, PE, music and special educational needs. I was also on the Senior Leadership Team as lead mentor for new staff, student teachers and supply staff. Through my work as a student mentor, I was told about a role at St Martin’s (where I trained – now UoC Lancaster) in the english team and that I should apply. At the time I was having more deputy head teacher interviews, so I thought I would see what happened, higher leadership in school or initial teacher education? That was in 2003 and I have been here ever since. My role has changed and I have moved into leadership positions over the years, now leading the university’s postgraduate primary teacher training across all of our campuses and school-based routes. 

What do you love about your subject? 

I love english, because I love books, I love stories, I love retelling stories and I love getting into the authors’ language choices. 

What was your lightbulb moment where you knew you wanted to teach others? 

I have been involved in teaching others ever since I was 15 and doing kids work at church and leading at holiday clubs. I really enjoyed it. This desire was then inspired further by watching the great Robin Williams as John Keating in the iconic film Dead Poets Society. I basically wanted to inspire like he did and do slightly maverick things to engage learners. 

What is your favourite part of campus? 

The view from the roof of the Keep! Amazing views across Morecambe Bay. 

What is the biggest change you have seen since you started working at the university? 

I started at St Martin’s College in 2003 as a lecturer and in 2007, this became one of the legacy institutions of the new University of Cumbria, so I would say this has been the biggest change – getting degree awarding powers as a university and the amalgamation of several institutions into one. Lots of structural change and a huge impact on processes and practice. 

If a graduate walked into your lecture theatre today, what’s one new thing they would be surprised to learn about? 

I think the focus on cognitive science and greater attention to the neuroscience behind how children learn. This is relatively new. If they are a less recent graduate, they may be surprised to learn that the Department for Education sets out a framework for the core content of initial teacher education courses. 

What’s your proudest achievement in your role? 

I have three, if I may:

1. Getting my first book published ‘Being Creative in Primary English’ in 2016. 

2. Receiving a national award from the Teacher Education Advancement Network for effective practice in teacher education, in 2019. 

3. Being awarded my PhD in 2021. 

What is your course area currently working on? 

We are currently working on updating our curriculum documentation and continuing to develop our Intensive Training and Practice units of work. 

What are you currently obsessed with? 

The TV series ‘Bull’ about the psychology of jurors and how a guy ‘Dr Jason Bull’ uses trial science to help attorneys win cases.  

I am also a bit obsessive about woodwork!! 

What’s your idea of a great weekend? 

A nice breakfast, out for a family walk with the dog, getting into my shed for some woodwork, then relaxing on the sofa with wife, dog, glass of wine and a good action movie. 

Give us your Cumbria top tips... 

Walk around Rydal Water to Rydal caves. Amazing. My favourite place in Cumbria is Sizergh Castle! 

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