AN OXFORD teacher has picked up a national award for his innovative and problem-solving methods in the classroom.

Oxford High School teacher Dr Paul Weeks scooped the 2015 Secondary School Biology Teacher of the Year Award.

The father-of-three, who has taught in the city for eight years, was commended for his teaching style and passion for the subject.

He said: “I was very pleased – it’s nice to be given that sort of accolade.

“I get nice feedback from pupils and parents but to get that from an external body is terrific.”

The 49-year-old, who lives in Leafield in West Oxfordshire, said he allowed the girls to figure things out for themselves after giving them the tools to do so.

He said: “Just receiving information is a very boring way of learning anything.

“It’s not how science works, it’s about thinking ‘that’s funny, what’s going on here?’ and then wanting to find out more.

“Teaching biology is all about getting students interested and excited in the subject.”

Dr Weeks nominated himself after encouragement from the Society of Biology.

After making it down to a shortlist of three the judging panel then watched Dr Weeks take a lesson and took on board feedback from pupils.

The Cambridge graduate took an A-Level lesson on gene therapy, asking students to work out how best to treat certain diseases.

He said: “I divided the students into groups, sort of like The Apprentice.

“I gave them a list of genetic diseases and they had to see which would be best for gene therapy.

“The problem with education is that people have become so obsessed with league tables and exam results that they lose sight of getting pupils excited and enthused and thinking about what they might do with their careers.”

Chair of the judging panel and 2012-2013 winner, Beverley Goodger said: “Paul is an inspirational teacher with a passion for biology and exceptional commitment to the subject and his students. The judges were particularly impressed by the lesson they observed, where the skilful use of a context-driven and problem-solving approach fully engaged the pupils, made them think, and was absolutely successful in securing effective learning.

“Paul’s inspirational approach and his love of biology exert their influence beyond the classroom through the wide range of extra-curricular activities he co-ordinates within the school.”

Dr Weeks, who was presented with his award at the Royal Institution last week, won £500 for himself and £500 worth of Oxford University Press resources for the school. UK 3B Scientific Ltd and the National Science Learning Centre will also provide equipment for Dr Weeks’ classroom.