Secretariat

David Skinner

Members will be very sorry to hear of the death of Mr David Skinner, formerly of the School of Education, at the age of 69.

David Skinner joined the School of Education in 1973 and before his retirement in 1996, trained over a thousand geography teachers. He studied Geography at Nottingham University, receiving first class honours in his subject in 1960 and going on to complete a Certificate of Education at Nottingham (1961). He subsequently taught Geography very successfully at Bulmershe School, near Reading, where he became Head of Department, and from where he was seconded to the Department of Educational Research at the University of Lancaster to take his MA, which he received in 1970.

During his time at Leeds, David Skinner taught geographical education at Masters level and supervised research in geography related subjects. He was a conscientious teacher, and his high level of professionalism and commitment to punctuality, planning and organisation provided an excellent role model to beginning teachers. He also challenged his students through imaginative tasks; enlivened his varied presentations with humour and enthusiasm; and shared with students his interests in environmental issues and his appreciation of the countryside. David was committed to his subject, acting as an examiner for the Geography 16-19 A Level, as well as a moderator for the BEd degree at North Riding College for many years, and he enriched the MEd programme through the experiences he gained during two periods of study leave in Canada as part of the Leeds/Alberta Faculty Exchange scheme. He also acted as a link tutor with Tadcaster Grammar School, as part of the Leeds University Secondary School Partnership.

Above all, David Skinner will be remembered with respect as a reliable and diligent educator by both students and former colleagues. He passed away on 31 August 2006, and leaves a wife, Pat, and two children, Andrew and Kathryn.