Computer Science & Physics Tutor | Subject Consultant

GCSE & A Level Computer Science & Physics Tutor | Support for schools

phil@nelkin.com | +44 7947 644617

digital strategy

overview

​In the last 10 years, as well as continuing to be a Head of Computer Science and teacher, I have held positions in senior management and have developed and implemented Digital Strategy. In schools this strategy is far reaching and diverse and affects all aspects of school life!

​Although I have technical skills and absolutely love to get my hands dirty, in a ‘geeky way’, one of my greatest strengths is the ability to communicate across the school community including parents, governors and staff.

​One of the things I enjoy is being part of the process of transformation brought about directly and indirectly by new IT systems. Schools need a strong connection between its staff and the technology and this is made easier by someone who can serve as a bridge between the two.

​Schools where I have held a strategic role:

  • ​Godolphin and Latymer – IT Coordinator
  • Notting Hill and Ealing, GDST – Assistant Head – IT Strategy
  • Queen’s College, Harley Street – Director of IT
Phil Nelkin - digital strategy

what I offer schools

  • Experience leading the digital strategy in independent schools for over 20 years
  • Both a technical and managerial knowledge of systems and various MIS and VLE platforms
  • The ability to communicate effectively to staff with varying technical knowledge
  • A pragmatic approach to change management and ‘bringing staff on board’ with new ideas

my strategic roles

​Godolphin & Latymer, Hammersmith

​Projects and achievements included:​

  • the assessment of the IT requirements of the school in order to organise and manage the construction and development of a computer network
  • the organisation of the appropriate paperwork such as a school policy on IT
  • the implementation of a data record keeping system for years 7, 8 and 9
  • the preparation of IT documentation for a GSA Quality Management Audit Inspection
  • the positive and enthusiastic communication to staff of the merits of IT, when, at that time, schools were used to functioning without these systems. This was a steep learning curve all round.

Notting Hill & Ealing High School, GDST

​Projects and achievements included:​​

  • the development of SharePoint and Firefly, together with the training and encouragement of teaching and administrative staff to use these systems
  • the developing of the use of SIMs.net
  • the creation of training materials for staff and the delivery of courses on the use of the IT systems including SIMs.net, Firefly and Planet eStream
  • the development of the school-wide electronic notice board system and management of its content
  • the oversight of technical projects and being the school representative in negotiations with the GDST concerning new initiatives and the IT budget
  • the management of MidYIS and ALIS

Queen’s College, Harley Street

​Projects and achievements included:

  • the development of Firefly which was Queen’s first VLE
  • the development of the school’s MIS, SchoolBase and the management of the transition from the client to the online version
  • the development of SharePoint / OneDrive in order to migrate file storage to the cloud in light of an ageing local infrastructure
  • the ‘selling’ of these new systems to the governors, SLT, teachers and parents and demonstrating the immense benefits
  • facilitating the integration of SchoolBase with Firefly and Office 365
  • the introduction and development of Teams in time for the first UK lockdown in March 2020
  • the development of a wealth of training materials for staff and students together with the delivery of courses in the use of the IT systems including SchoolBase, Firefly, Teams, OneDrive and Office

other industry/project management experience

​Research Machines, PLC

Research Machines was the largest provider of IT Services and software for education in the UK.

​Projects and achievements included:

  • general consultancy and hands-on installation of networks in schools and colleges.
  • acting as the on-site, technical RM representative and manager for the company’s first outsourcing project in the FE sector in Tynemouth College
  • the interim management of an IT team and assisting in the installation of a network for 15,000 students across 4 sites at a North London FE college

​Deloitte’s Consulting

Project management and business development working on a PFI project delivering IT systems to the Lord Chancellor’s department and CAFCASS.