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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553596739575{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Mr O’Connell started working at Wellington as a Teacher of Mathematics in 1986.

Tell us a little about your career.

I have always been a teacher. My first post was in 1984 as a Teacher of Mathematics at St Michael’s Academy in Kilwinning and it was at this time that I completed my Additional Teaching Qualification in Computing. There are so many reasons why I chose this vocation and why I still enjoy it – the first day of a new school year, new pupils and new classes. After almost 35 years, it’s still a buzz!

I have taught many students over the years and have been coming across children of former pupils for some time. My biggest fear and sign of age? The day I teach my first FP grandchild!

What is it that you love most about your subject, Stephen?

I can easily sum up what I love most about my subject: the endless possibilities and developments in the field. In a video I show to Computing classes, Gabe Newell, Co-founder and Managing Director of video game development and digital distribution company Valve, says “the programmers of tomorrow are the wizards of the future.” How cool is that?! Codeiarmus!

What do you think makes Wellington special?

The students and staff are the heart and soul of Wellington. Without them, it’s just an old, empty building.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]