Meet Mr Eccles, lead teacher for History

Mr Eccles is the new Lead Teacher for History at Priory and is making a big impact already.

Mr Eccles came to Priory in September from Our Lady & St John Catholic College in Blackburn, where he taught for over 10 years. He studied Modern American History at the University of Sheffield and is keen to make a difference at Priory.

“I came to a meeting here quite a few years ago but I was impressed with it,” said Mr Eccles. “When I saw the job advertised, I wanted a new challenge and this is perfect for me.

“My aim is to raise the profile of history at Priory, to get more students taking it at GCSE level and to encourage more workshops and real-life experiences of history.”

He has already used his contacts as Steve Irwin from Blackburn Museum came in, with artefacts and costumes, to talk about the English Civil War to Year Eights recently.

Head of Humanities Mr Metcalfe said: “I am thrilled with how Mr Eccles has settled in at Priory. Together with myself, Mr Eccles has redesigned the five-year curriculum structure of history for the benefit of all our students. 

“New topics have been introduced and a new style of lesson that incorporates fertile questions has been very popular with our students across both key stages.  These lessons aim to engage and provoke inquisition so that learning is fun and exciting.  

“Coupled with this, Mr Eccles has integrated new trips and visits to supplement the learning in the classroom. The English Civil War Exhibition run by Steve Irwin from Blackburn Museum before half term has been a great example of this, and the two day visit was an integral cog in showing students first-hand what they have been learning in the classroom.  

“Mr Eccles is truly bringing history from the past into the future here at Priory.”