I began teaching in 1992 and since then I have worked in various schools in Edinburgh and Midlothian. I was seconded for 3 years as an ICT development Officer as part of the Midlothian ICT Team. I have also worked with LTscotland, BBC Education and IKEA on a range of multimedia resources for design education in schools.

I trained as an Industrial Designer at Napier University and also have qualifications in Administration and Marketing all of which have been useful in teaching. Like many teachers, I still enjoy learning and have completed modules in Chartered Teaching and more recently a course in Active Learning and project leadership.

After working in a number of design jobs I moved to London where I was lead designer for a Professional Audio Manufacturing company. I really enjoyed London but missed working in Edinburgh and the opportunity to teach design allowed me to combine many of my skills with the activities I enjoy.

I am very passionate about design and design education as a vehicle for teaching a broad range of "life skills". Creativity, organisation and planning, problem solving, researching and specialised skills in ICT are all essential to be successful in the modern workplace. As a department, Craft Design and Technology can develop many of these skills in our students.

Before entering the teaching profession I worked as an Architect, specialising in the production of high–end computer generated still and animated images.

After graduating from Edinburgh College of Art with my BArch and DipArch qualifications I worked with two small Edinburgh architectural practices before moving to RMJM where I worked on a variety of projects including the Scottish Parliament building, Falkirk Wheel and the Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Jumeirah man made islands off the coast of Dubai.

During my eight years of employment within architecture I have had the opportunity to work on the design of buildings, interiors, items of furniture, lighting fittings and numerous other projects that have provided me with a broad understanding and knowledge of design, manufacture and presentation.

I have had a passion for design for as long as I can remember and am delighted to be in a position that I can now impart some of the skills and knowledge I have accumulated over the years. I strongly believe that skills leaned through the teaching of CDT are hugely beneficial to students while at school and later on throughout their lives and careers.

Mr Montgomery is a vital member of the team and is responsible for ensuring the smoothing running of all our machines and tools. He is also responsible for providing all classes with cut materials and ensures that equipment is available for a wide range of projects. His remit also includes Maintenance and Department Health and Safety.