Exeter Road Primary School

Robin James (Project Lead)
Science Leader at Exeter Road Primary School
Robin had the idea for this project while walking on Exmouth beach with his wife! He began working at Exeter Road two years before graduating from Rolle College, which used to be based in the town as part of the University of Plymouth. He’s taught at the school since 1997 and been its science leader since 2008.
In 2010-11 Robin led another project shortlisted for the Rolls-Royce Science Prize, which inspired children to design, build and test miniature greenhouses from materials that would otherwise be thrown away. This led to the construction of a full-size greenhouse made from panels of 9 CD cases, based on a design by three Year 3 girls. The project proved so innovative and successful as a way of promoting science and technology that Robin has come up with a project idea for Rolls-Royce every year since, so he’s thrilled this year to have got through once again to the final nine!
Robin embarked on a Masters course in 2012 in Science Education and Leadership through the National Science Learning Centre. In January 2013, he was invited onto the panel at the ASE conference debate in Reading. In January of this year, he became a fellow of the Primary Science Teaching Trust.

Rodney Battey
STEM Ambassador
Graduated with a degree in Natural Sciences concentrating on metallurgy. Spent 5 years at the RN Engineering College training naval engineer officers, and then joined a local authority technical college training mechanical engineering students at certificate, diploma and degree level.
Gained my Further Education teachers’ certificate and worked in middle India on a Government of India lecturer improvement project. My Master’s degree was in project evaluation in higher education. After twenty years in technical education I became a local authority education adviser and inspector.