Ms Sara Payne - Home page

I am Ms Sara Payne, computer scientist and teacher. Having run a successful business since 2002, in 2018, I decided it was time for a new challenge. My lifelong interest in computing and programming made moving into that field an obvious choice. At that time, my only formal qualifications were my GCSEs from many years earlier.

In 2018 I enrolled at York College doing an Access To Higher Education Diploma in computing. I graduated in 2019, having achieved a distinction grade. In September of the same year, I began a BSc in Computer Science at the University of Hull. I finished my degree in 2022, graduating with first-class honours.

During my degree, I realised that even though I love computer science, I missed working with people. It also became clear that if I continued my studies at Hull, I would need to specialise. In contrast, my interests in the field of computing are broad. These realisations led to considering a new direction.

Entering my final year at Hull, I did a module in teaching computing which put me on placement in a school. That placement was a real turning point for me. From the moment I walked in, I loved the classroom environment. Since then, I have completed Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and gained Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

In September 2023 I start a new position as a Teacher Of Computer Science. I will continue to run a virtual world and contribute to opensource coding projects.

I am incredibly proud of my achievements and intend to use a combination of my life experience and expertise to help my students and motivate them. One of the most exciting things I have learnt in the last year is how people learn.