Caroline Molyneux

This is a photograph of Caroline Molyneux
Sharples School

Caroline is the Deputy Headteacher at Sharples School in Bolton, Lancashire and has been teaching since 2005. Prior to that she was a postgraduate researcher at the University of Liverpool in Molecular Microbiology.

Caroline teaches Biology, Chemistry and particularly Astronomy which is offered as a GCSE at her school.

In 2007, she was awarded with a National Teaching Award for New Teacher of the Year and in 2010 she was awarded a Royal Society Hauksbee Award for public engagement with Science.

“Space is our past, present and future and so many things in our lives have been enhanced by space science research. It is a privilege to be a small part of communicating that to young people across the UK"

Caroline studied Microbiology at the University of Liverpool before embarking on research in the field of soil science. She went on to the train as a science teacher and now leads a school in the North of England”

Awards
My school won the Pearson National Teaching Award for Making a Difference Secondary School of the Year in December 2023. 

At work...
I will be the new Headteacher of Sharples School in Bolton from September 2024! 

Break time...
I am the Chairperson of Wigan Athletic Official Supporters Club and I am an avid Wigan fan! 


Given the chance, would you go to space?

Absolutely! But perhaps not a one way trip to Mars! I would miss the football too much! 

What's the best thing about science?
There is always something new to discover every day. Most days I find something that I haven't thought of before in my teaching of science. For example I recently put potatoes in cupboards and on shelves around my classroom, and the responses of the potato plants were incredible! 

What's the best thing about working at the National Space Academy?

I get to experience the cutting edge of space science that will affect all our lives in the future. For example, learning about satellite technology that has transformed our lives from GPS to mobile phones. I also get the chance to spread the word about space across the country and visit new schools and meet new people all the time. 

A masterclass or CPD session delivered by Caroline can include:

  • GCSE Science: classes can be tailored to grades 7-9 or 4-6 - using Space as a context to engage students and raise achievement
  • Chemistry of Space at GCSE and A Level - why Chemistry is vital to Space exploration
  • GCSE Astronomy
  • Inspire your staff with Learning and Teaching ideas using the context of space to teach all areas of Science.

"Every class is carefully tailored to the GCSE or A Level syllabus to ensure maximum impact on achievement"

More about Caroline: