Introducing our Sports Subject Advisors...

Kate Thompson

Part of the  Team since 2022

"I joined OCR this term, having previously taught at primary and secondary schools for 18 years as a qualified PE teacher. Within that time, I held various positions including Head of Department and School Sports Coordinator. 

I took 3 years out of teaching to work in the sports department of a South African university, managing the set up of a Non-Government sports development project, and working in the local township schools."

Mark Johnson

Part of the  Team since 2018

"I joined OCR as a PE and Sport Subject Advisor in October 2018. I graduated from Staffordshire University in 1999 with a BSc in Sports Studies, having previously completed an HND in Sports Science and Sports Injuries at Nottingham Trent University. After leaving university I worked as a residential social worker, where I also delivered the PE provision in the company’s own school for a small group of 11-16-year olds with challenging behaviour 

I then pursued a career in teaching, first spending a year teaching PE at my old secondary school, then lecturing in Sports Studies and Sports Science at an FE college for nearly 15 years. During my time at the college, I delivered, assessed and internally verified and moderated a range of OCR, Pearson, NCFE and 1st4Sport qualifications at Levels 1-3. 

In addition to my full-time employment, I've also been a sports therapist, nutritionist and fitness coach at several rugby clubs for the last 20 years."

Jonathan Varey

Part of the  Team since 2021

"I joined OCR as a PE and sport subject advisor in September 2021, having taught in a variety of secondary schools across the country for over 20 years, gaining a wealth of experience and subject knowledge. During this time, I've set up, delivered and assessed a wide range of courses within physical education and sport. 

In my spare time, I'm a keen runner and enthusiastic mountain biker, and I enjoy attending sporting and music events when possible and walking my two whippets."