For the final week of Term 3 Friday Five we feature Damian Roughan, Head of Learning Area: Technology.

How long have you been teaching and how long you been at Nayland College?

This year is my 20th at Nayland College. Do I get a prize? Started teaching in 81 in Invercargill then Auckland then back to the deep south at Gore then North again to Nelson. Had a couple of years off amongst these positions, back to mechanical engineering.

What are your passions and areas of expertise?

I get a real kick out of restoring and rejuvenating things. Seeing students light-up when they start to appreciate their abilities to be creative and innovative is an extension of this. I enjoy getting out into the hills mountain biking.

Who has inspired you on your own learning journey?

My physics teacher when I was a student made learning really interesting. Gave me insight into what could be possible.

What is your favourite thing about the school?

Nayland is my fourth school so, I can draw comparisons. This is a warm and friendly learning environment which encourages students to be themselves, do their best and consider their potential. 'Top pick of the four'.

What are your ambitions for the future?

Didn't travel the world when I was younger, so would like it to feature on the landscape of the future. In the short term am looking forward to biking the Ghost trail next month and a new project next year as the L3 Technology students design and build mini off road motorbikes with a choice of electric or petrol engines.