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Marie O'Riordan, On Her Journey Into Teaching

MARIE O RIORDON web 3

Join us for a chat with Marie O’Riordan, Curriculum Leader for Level 2 and 3 BTEC Business Studies. 

I love being a safe role model to students, supporting them through their challenges and celebrating their success.

Marie O’Riordan, Curriculum Leader for Level 2 and 3 BTEC Business Studies.

Tell us about yourself and your journey to working at NSCG

I’m Marie, I’m originally from Birmingham and I studied BA Hons Business Studies at Sheffield Hallam University in 2004. I’ve spent the past 15 years working in education, teaching Business, Finance, IT and Economics across the West Midlands in various roles, including as a Teacher, Curriculum Leader, Quality Officer and Exams Officer.

Can you tell us about the course that you teach?

I teach the Level 3 BTEC Business Studies qualification, which covers a wide range of units, both internally and externally assessed. The students enjoy the variety of topics, from Marketing, Finance and Human Resources, to Visual Merchandising, Customer Service and Debt Management. Recently, I introduced the Debt Management unit to Year 2 students, who are about to enter adulthood and I hope this will help them make informed decisions about their finances in the future.

Who or what first inspired you to go into teaching?

I completed a sandwich degree at Sheffield Hallam University between 2004 and 2008. During my placement year, I worked for a small business that provided IT training and outsourced HR services to SMEs. As part of this role, I was responsible for training employees on Microsoft software, including Excel, Outlook and Word. This experience sparked my interest in teaching and I went on to complete my PGCE in Secondary ICT in 2009, which set me on my career path in education.

What do you love most about your job?

I love the variety the job brings. While I follow a set weekly timetable, no day is ever the same. Teaching introduces me to a number of interesting characters, each with their own unique challenges. I love being a safe role model to students, supporting them through their challenges and celebrating their success.

What has been your proudest moment so far?

My proudest moment at NSCG so far has been the fantastic student outcomes from the January 2025 exams for Marketing and Business Decision Making. The students performed brilliantly in their exams and were pleased with their results.

Another career highlight for me was winning the Finance Teacher of the Year award in my previous role. 

What has been the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Do the right thing – even when no one’s watching.

What book, tv show or film is your favourite at the minute?

I’ve been reading Let Them by Mel Robbins, which has really shifted my mindset on the things in life I can control and those I can’t. I'm also a big fan of Atomic Habits, which helps to motivate me. 

In my downtime, I enjoy game shows like Deal or No Deal, 1% Club and Traitors. 

Can you tell us a random/interesting fact about yourself?

Between 2021 and 2023, I ran five half marathons and raised £600 for charity. The events I participated in were the Potters ‘Arf, Tittesworth Half, Stafford Half, Chester Half and Antrim Coast Half Marathon. My fastest time was 1:56.