Derby College has appointed a new Vice Principal to lead on curriculum strategy.
Richard Deane joins Derby College from Warwickshire College where he was Vice Principal – Curriculum Innovation.
He started his working life as a Personal Trainer. He combined this with his passion for music which took him around the UK and Europe as a drummer with several bands including progressive rock band Ark and also touring with Kirk Brandon and Spear of Destiny.
Although he continued to gig in his spare time, Richard decided he needed a more secure career and, at the age of 20 was put in charge of a sports centre in Tamworth – supporting a pioneering active learning programme to support 30 apprentices.
He then set up his own sales and marketing company before joining Sutton College in Birmingham as a sports lecturer – working with employers on developing Training for Work programmes.
A move to North Birmingham College was then followed by a Head of Department role at Solihull College in 2001 where he remained until 2010 when he moved to Sheffield College as Assistant Principal. He was also appointed as a part time Ofsted inspector in 2005.
Richard commented: “Education lured me away from the rock star life. However, those early days taught me important skills that I took into business and my career in the FE sector such as being flexible and entrepreneurial to recognise and take advantage of new opportunities.
“These broader skills are also key attributes that we need to securely embed across our curriculum to develop the skills and attributes that our learners need to blossom and progress onto the next stage in their lives.
“Derby College has a clear strategy to transform the learners’ experience, revolutionise our offer, contribute to economic growth and social prosperity and invest in our learning environment.
“Our challenge is therefore to develop the high quality curriculum that our employers need in line with the LEP priorities and to be the catalyst that supports individuals’ aspirations and business success.”
