Mr Tom Gove

Second in Department for Science

Mr Gove grew up on the Isle of Wight, studying GCSEs and A-Levels at Sandown High School. He then attended Plymouth University, where he gained a first class degree in Biology Sciences, for which he also won the Eden Prize for proving that two-week old meadow plants know when they are damaged.

After this, Mr Gove spent two years as a postgraduate researcher on the EU’s Theseus project improving natural flood defences, before moving into industry to work as a geochemist at a tungsten mine. Mr Gove is also a qualified GCSE examiner for Biology and in his spare time enjoys long distance running and is a keen folk musician. Mr Gove’s favourite insect is the hummingbird hawk moth.

Education

  • QTS – The Island Free School

  • BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences – University of Plymouth

  • A Levels in Chemistry, Human Biology, English Language & Literature – Sandown High School

Mr Tom Gove
Contact Mr Tom Gove

Experience

Mr Gove received his PGCE from the University of Exeter, taking placements at a grammar school and co-operative academy in Plymouth, before moving back to the Island and completing a placement at Ryde Academy.

Mr Gove’s research focus at Exeter was on the pedagogy of questioning. In the classroom, Mr Gove favours an evidence-based approach to teaching and planning. Mr Gove joined The Island Free School in 2017 initially as a Science Technician, before qualifying as a Teacher of Science

My Goals

I want to share my love of science and nature, and help make all The Island Free School pupils great at questioning the world around them.

I would also love to go to space!

Who to meet next...