Stefan Wytwyckyj : Secondary: Oxford University Press

“An exemplary and inspirational teacher can make the difference between a student enjoying and succeeding or struggling to understand the process and not achieving their academic potential.”

Stefan has taught Business in the UK for 10 years, having previously taught English as a Foreign Language in Japan. After graduating from Teacher Training at The University of Manchester, Stefan started teaching Business to 16-19 year olds in inner-city colleges, on both academic and vocational courses.

Through this mix, Stefan has found that using traditionally vocational techniques, such as projects and extended activities in academic classes, can lead to students applying their knowledge more effectively, embedding a higher level understanding than if taught only in the traditional academic manner.

Stefan’s initial teaching mentor encouraged him to become an exam assessor, explaining that teaching students’ theory is only half of a teachers work; the other half is preparing students for exams, and the best way to understand the exam process was by being an assessor. Stefan gradually became a Team Lead and is currently a Principal Examiner on the Cambridge International AS & A Level Business (9609) exam. He also assesses the CAIE IGCSE Business and Enterprise exams.

Now working as a Lecturer at The University of York, teaching international students on foundation courses, Stefan can see the progress students need to make and the requirements of the higher education.

Stefan believes that education is essential to the development of critical thinking and thought of students; an exemplary and inspirational teacher can make the difference between a student enjoying and succeeding or struggling to understand the process and not achieving their academic potential. As summative examinations are often key to deciding a young person's future, he believes that it is every teacher's responsibility to support a student up to and through their exams.