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My name is Elaine Lennox, and I am currently the Programme Manager for CCEA’s Entry Level GCSE and GCE Science qualifications. I began my scientific journey by studying A levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths. I always favoured the Science subjects and had a mathematical brain, so Chemistry quickly became my favourite subject at school as I enjoyed using mathematical skills within a Chemistry context. My passion for Chemistry led me to study Medicinal Chemistry at Queen’s University, Belfast.

Following my degree course, I completed a PGCE in Chemistry with Science to become a post-primary teacher in an all-girls school and this enabled me to share my passion for Chemistry with other young women and promote the third level education and employment opportunities for women within my subject.

After a few years teaching, and experience as an assistant examiner for CCEA’s GCE Chemistry examinations and as a professional associate working on Chemistry teacher support resources, a promotional opportunity to become CCEA’s Education Manager for Chemistry and Double Award Science presented itself. I knew that I wanted that job so that I could shape Chemistry education for all GCSE and GCE learners across Northern Ireland. During the 10 years in this role working full-time, I also managed to get married and have two lovely daughters which didn’t prohibit my next career progression. I became Programme Manager for all CCEA’s Science qualifications which furthered my experience in a management role, contributing to CCEA’s senior leadership. What I most enjoy about this job is the variety of work, being able to work in a collaborative team and developing knowledge and skills daily – every day is a learning day in CCEA! When I left school, I had no idea what career pathway I would follow and the one I did follow could never have been predicted. Hence, I am proof that studying Chemistry opens doors to a diverse range of career opportunities for women. I wonder will my young daughters follow in my scientific footsteps?

My name is Sara McGee, and I am currently the Education Manager for CCEA’s GCSE and GCE Biology qualifications. At school, I was drawn to the Sciences although I also thoroughly enjoyed English. My love of David Attenborough’s documentaries and fascination with the workings of the human body led me to study A Level Biology along with Chemistry and Geography. Partly due to benefitting from inspirational teachers, I set my sights on a career teaching my favourite subject, Biology.

I studied Biology with Education in the University of Ulster, Coleraine and then embarked on what was to be a 35 year teaching career. I can honestly say that I loved every day of teaching Biology and engaging young people in all aspects of Biology: from anatomy to botany, environmental issues and everything in between. At every opportunity, I promoted David Attenborough’s programmes and, on the nights when one of his programmes was on television, watching it was the homework task! Students in school were well aware of my admiration for David Attenborough, to the extent that I was presented with a full-size cardboard cutout of him one year!

Whilst teaching full-time and managing a busy family life with three children, I became a Principal Examiner for CCEA with responsibility for writing and supervising the marking of GCSE Double Award Science Biology papers. This very fulfilling work proved to be a stepping stone to my current role. A very different job to teaching, I am thoroughly enjoying being an Education Manager and working in a different aspect of education. I work as part of an excellent Science team. We take a collaborative approach to our varied and sometimes pressurised work and I learn from my colleagues every day, particularly in the use of IT! From an early age, I had a career path mapped out for myself but am delighted that it has taken a few twists and turns along the way.

Over my long teaching career, I have seen many changes in education and attitudes to women in the workplace. One of the changes that I have been most proud to contribute to is that of girls believing that they can follow any career path of their choosing. To my 15-year-old self, my students, and my daughters, I say that the future is bright. Follow your passion, accept all opportunities, remember that the glass ceiling has been smashed by many women before you and enjoy the journey. Oh, and remember to watch those David Attenborough programmes!