Full name:

Alan Parkinson

Where did you grow up?

South Yorkshire.

Education:

Wickersley Comprehensive on the edge of Rotherham, a degree at Huddersfield Polytechnic and teacher training at the University of Hull.

Your current role at King’s Ely and how long you have been a member of staff here:

I’m Head of Geography at King’s Ely Junior and have been here for six years now.

What do you enjoy most about working here?

Having spent several years travelling around Europe and largely working independently, it’s great to be part of a supportive team and to have plenty of discussions every day.

Hobbies/interests outside of school:

I read widely about my subject, and write textbooks and other books. This tends to involve travel and photography. I particularly like arriving in a new city and heading off to explore it without a map.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I loved reading and wanted to write my own books. Many of my school friends worked in coal mines after leaving school and I knew I definitely didn’t want to do that!

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Travelling immediately from one place to another. When I was growing up there was a TV programme called ‘The Tomorrow People’ and the characters wore ‘jaunt belts’ which allowed them to teleport.

What was the last book you read?

A guide book to New York ahead of a visit there.

What song are you most likely to sing at a karaoke?

I’d probably leave quietly as soon as the karaoke machine got wheeled out…

What is your favourite film?

The Big Lebowski.

Do you have any phobias or fears?

Needles – especially big ones!

Name three things you would want with you if stranded on a desert island for a week:

A camera, a notebook and pen, and some soft toilet paper.

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